Spotlight: How Liew Ai Wen Found Her Home in SRT’s The Young Company

Shaping the Next Generation of Performers in The Young Company 

After graduating from LASALLE and exploring the theatre industry, Liew Ai Wen found herself drawn back to the thrill of learning in a space where creativity and curiosity could run free. That spark led her to SRT’s The Young Company (TYC), where she’s been stretching her skills and embracing challenging roles while discovering new ways to connect with audiences, no matter the stage or story. 

Ai Wen’s time at TYC has been just as much about building a vibrant, supportive community as it has been about stepping into the spotlight. 

1. After having studied musical theatre at LASALLE, what was the moment that sparked your decision to join SRT’s The Young Company (TYC), led by Director Daniel Jenkins? 

After graduating in 2022, and working in the industry for a while, I found myself missing the safe learning space that LASALLE provided me. I slowly realised that I needed somewhere where I could just be a student again and learn with likeminded people who are passionate and curious about theatre. Around the year end of 2023, I was recommended to watch the TYC production, After Life.

I remember being really impressed by the students as I felt the sincerity through their acting and storytelling. After that, I reached out to the lovely Mr Daniel Jenkins to tell him I wanted to join TYC! I think he thought I was joking at first, but I assured him that I was serious about my decision and the rest is history!  

2. You were part of the cast in TYC'S performance in 2024, A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad). Looking back, what stands out to you most from your time with TYC — whether it was a favourite memory, lesson, or experience that’s stuck with you? 

Honestly, I don’t think I can choose one as I have many, MANY, fond memories and experiences with TYC. However, I think what really stands out about TYC to me is the community aspect of the course. I’ve met some of the most inclusive and loving people I know through my time in TYC. And we always try to support each other through showing up for various projects and endeavours that our classmates are in!

I remember when rehearsing for A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) (which for context, is a musical), some people had more experience in singing, while others were quicker at catching choreography. And so, we just helped each other to make sure no one was left behind in the dark.  

3. You’ve also been performing with The Little Company — from being an understudy in The Three Little Pigs to playing Big in The Three Billy Goats Gruff. How has your time with TYC helped you step into these roles and connect with young audiences? 

TYC offers a plethora of courses for us to experience, from Improv to Kalaripayattu. From each course, I am able to extract out acting tools that will help with the way I move in the space and react to my fellow actors. Let’s take Kalaripayattu for example. Kalaripayattu is a martial art form that takes inspiration from various animals.

One animal stance that was taught to us by Sharda, our Kalaripayattu facilitator, was the Elephant (Gaja Vadivu), which is known to be a stance for strength and stability. I’ve been practising this stance in my warmups for my character, Big in The Three Billy Goats Gruff, as Big is very grounded and strong and it really helps me get into the zone!

4. What’s something about performing in a children’s show that’s trickier or more surprising than audiences might think? 

I think a common misconception about performing in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) is that the acting has to be in exaggeration. Because there’s always that very valid fear of losing the child’s attention if one’s not ‘exciting’ enough.

The tricky thing, however, is often the exaggeration morphs into disingenuity, in the sense where it’s done for the sake of getting a reaction and hence, can be a little patronising. But children are great ‘lie-detectors’ and they have absolutely no qualms in letting the actors know if they don’t believe you!  

In every TYA, the actors have the tricky job of balancing having high energy and heightened emotions, while still being genuine in all our intentions and actions!

5. If you could share the most memorable advice you’ve received throughout your journey with SRT that could help other young performers starting out, what would it be?  

To go for it. And at the same time remember that rejections are rarely personal. This is something I still struggle with as well and it’s definitely not a linear learning journey.

To be a theatre performer is one of the most vulnerable positions to be in because we are putting ourselves out there. We are not hiding behind a screen, or a piece of paper, or a desk. But if you never try, you never know. And if this is something that makes you happy, then go for it. You can do it!  

Ready to step into the spotlight? Auditions for The Young Company’s 2026 intake are open — don’t miss your chance to join a vibrant community of young performers! Apply by 14 November 2025 here.