A Showstopper in the Limelight: A Guide to Gateway Theatre
These days, theatre has become an underrated art form, but it definitely delivers a memorable experience every time. After all, you’re seeing actors perform right in front of you, allowing you to feel connected to a story like never before!
If you want to watch a theatre show, stop by Gateway Theatre in Bukit Merah. This creative arts space regularly hosts plays and musicals by local performing arts groups, so you can witness what theatre is all about and admire the talents of local actors.
For more information about Gateway Theatre, be sure to read this article.
Things to Know
Address: 3615 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 159461
Contact Number: +6564249408
Website
History and Background
Gateway Theatre is a relatively new building in Bukit Merah. Built in 2016, this theatre is an arts center catering to children, youth, and families.
Another of its main goals is to support works made by local artists that push for a positive message and social value.
Aside from being a creative arts space, Gateway Theatre is an architectural gem. On the outside, the building features a sleek, modern look, but in the middle, you see spots of greenery.
Inside, architectural ingenuity continues. The walls of the theatre itself have wave-like patterns, and the garden is neatly landscaped.
Visitors don’t just watch shows, but they also admire the architectural style and interior design.
How to Get There
MRT: To reach Gateway Theatre through the MRT, alight at Redhill station. You can choose to either walk to the theatre, which should take about 11 minutes, or ride bus 132 to Bukit Merah Interchange and walk to the theatre from there.
Bus: You can ride bus services 14, 147, 196, 197, 855, or 961 and alight at Bukit Merah Town Center. Or you can ride 5, 16, 57, 123, 131, 131M, 132, 139, 153, 167, 176, 198, 272, 273, or 851 and alight at Bukit Merah Bus Interchange.
Car: If you prefer to drive, there are parking lots in the theatre’s surrounding areas.
Theatre Etiquette
To ensure you’ll have the best time at the theatre, be sure to follow these rules:
- Dress comfortably. Unlike other theatres, this place has no dress code. So, be sure to wear something nice and comfortable. You might also want to bring a light jacket, shawl, or sweater because it can get cold inside.
- Arrive early. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least 20 minutes before your show. If you arrive late, you won’t be able to enter the theatre until a suitable break (take note: not all shows have an intermission period).
- Turn off your phone. Or, at the very least, put it on silent mode. You don’t want to disturb anyone in the audience by having your phone suddenly ringing in the middle of a show.
- Bringing food or drinks inside the hall is not allowed. So, you might want to eat snacks or get hydrated before you go inside and take your seat.
- Visit the restroom before entering. If you have to go in the middle of a show, not only will you miss something, but you’ll also be distracting the other audience members. So, avoid that if possible!
The Different Spaces Inside Gateway Theatre
Theatre
Unsurprisingly, the theatre is the main highlight of Gateway Theatre. One interesting fact about this theatre is that it was used for movie screenings back in the 1980s.
The theatre is relatively small, with two tiers of 922 seats. It also has a 12 m x 6.75 m LED wall and is equipped with visual, audio, and lighting systems.
The theatre can host a variety of events. Plays and musicals are the most common, but there have been product launches, conferences, film screenings, lectures, and even concerts held here.
Black Box
A black box theatre is a small type of theatre. Compared to the 900 seats of the main theatre, the black box only has 200.
However, it’s still well-equipped. There’s a three-meter-high LED wall that can add new depth to any event and several staging and lighting configurations.
The black box is best suited for more intimate events like concerts and exhibitions. Movie showings can also be held here.
Sky Garden
In the middle of the Gateway Theatre building is a Sky Garden, a unique garden space with manicured lawns, trees, a water feature, and even an outdoor stage.
Most people come to the Sky Garden to relax while waiting for their shows or events, but it’s also possible to host picnics and gatherings with loved ones.
You can even host a grand event here, like a wedding!
Dance Studio
The dance studio is a space reserved for artists and performers who have a show in Gateway Theatre. It’s furnished with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, ballet bars, and a full audio system, making it a perfect place to rehearse or practice your dance moves.
Aside from being a rehearsal area, the dance studio is also perfect for dance classes or fitness sessions because it’s quite spacious.
Gallery
The gallery in Gateway Theatre is a private space that’s intended for creative discussions and other important business meetings.
Another use of the gallery is as a pre-function or reception area during an event because it’s directly linked to the black box. Organizers can furnish the gallery with tables full of snacks where people can eat before or after the show.
The gallery has floor-to-ceiling windows and overlooks the Sky Garden, so you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view while having a meeting or hanging out here.
Events
Gateway Theatre Presents
Most of the events held in Gateway Theatre are part of Gateway Theatre Presents, which is a program where the theatre partners with local artists and arts collaborators to put on a show.
These events are usually plays and musicals. Some of these shows are originally made by local artists, while the rest are productions of famous shows outside of Singapore, like The Greatest Showman, Beetlejuice, and The Wiz.
Sometimes, musicians hold concerts here as well. Examples include Bowkylion (a Thai singer), Scrubb (a Thai music duo), and Priscilla Abby (a Malaysian singer).
Gateway Kids Club
Gateway Kids Club is basically Gateway Theatre Presents but for kids! This program is all about productions of plays and musicals with children as the performers.
Aside from plays and musicals with children performers, Gateway Kids Club hosts events like live storytelling sessions and an arts and crafts workshop. Recitals and community gatherings are sometimes held here as well.
Buying Tickets for Events
To buy tickets for Gateway Theatre events, just go on their website. After buying, you can collect your tickets at the box office in the theatre itself or at the ticket collection counters at the entrance.
You should also take note that there’s a minimum age requirement for attending shows here. Only people aged six and above can watch.
You’ll have to buy tickets for your child as well.
Another important thing you should remember is that if you’re coming with your friends and family and you want to sit together, you should buy all your tickets in one transaction. Otherwise, you run the risk of sitting separately.
Hiring Venues in Gateway Theatre
Do you need a space to host a class, meeting, or practice for a show? Or maybe you need a place to put on your play, musical, or any other live event?
If the answer is yes, then you’ll be glad to know that you can hire a venue at Gateway Theatre. You just have to fill in this venue request form and then email it to [email protected].
If you’re a non-profit arts group registered in Singapore, you might also want to learn about the Arts Supports Schemes offered by the theatre. To learn more about these schemes, be sure to contact them via phone or email.