If you’ve seen an SRT show in recent years, chances are you’ve spotted (or heard!) Natalie Yeap in action. From large-scale productions like Shakespeare in the Park – A Midsummer Night’s Dream to The Little Company’s musicals for young audiences, her performances span a wide range. Offstage, she amplifies voices as SRT’s resident vocal coach, helping performers maintain both artistry and vocal health. We caught up with her between shows to hear about her career highlights, the joys of performing for every kind of audience, and the passion that keeps her inspired.

1. Your first show with SRT was as an ensemble in Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress in 2017. Do you remember what it felt like stepping onto that stage for the first time? 
Natalie: Oh, it was exhilarating! That year was really special for me—it was actually my second time performing at the Esplanade Theatre, which had long been a dream venue of mine. Being part of such a huge production with a large cast, massive sets, and so many moving parts felt like stepping into a fever dream. The big ensemble numbers and Steven Dexter, Stephen Clarke and Dick Lee’s gorgeous songs and melodies were everything I’d hoped for in a show. 

And then there were the elaborate costumes, intricate hairpieces, and time-period makeup—all of it made the experience unforgettable. 

2. You also performed in Shakespeare in the Park – A Midsummer Night’s Dream. How was the experience performing at such a scale at Fort Canning Park? 
Natalie: Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get to perform in Shakespeare in the Park! Playing Hermia was incredibly fulfilling, and the giant outdoor set felt like a massive playground every night. I’ll never forget the fight scene where the four lovers ended up splashing around in the water—it was such fun but also physically demanding. Running uphill every night was no joke! 

Compared to Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress, it was a completely different world. It was my first Shakespeare production, so not needing to sing was strange, but I loved exploring the language and discovering a new side of performing. 

3. You’ve performed in three The Little Company musicals (Chicken Little, The Nightingale, and The Gingerbread Man). What’s one of your favourite memories, and what was it like performing for hundreds of kids each show? 
Natalie: I had the best time working on The Little Company shows! I love them because they often run for longer stretches, which lets you really settle into your character and also learn how to build vocal and physical stamina for a production. One of my favourite memories was in Chicken Little—we all had to learn how to use Heelys! Day one of rehearsals was just us falling over and trying to stay upright. Honestly, what other job pays you to learn Heelys? 

Performing for kids is always a challenge in the best way. They’re such an honest audience—if you’re not fully committed, they can tell, and they won’t hesitate to let you know! They also say the funniest things, and sometimes it’s hard not to break character on stage. 

4. You currently play Nancy in Fried Rice Paradise – The Makan Party. Share with us the experience so far and what you love most about this role. 
Natalie: Nancy is quite different from me, which makes her all the more fun and challenging to play. She’s awkward but grounded, kind yet guarded—I love exploring those contrasts. 

This production has been such a joy. I’ve never worked on a show where every single element—food, music, multimedia, stage management, marketing, and of course the cast—has to work together like a perfectly oiled machine. With different winners and vote counts every night, it truly takes a village to bring the show to life. 

5. As SRT’s resident vocal coach, what made you decide to become a vocal coach, and what’s one quick tip anyone can use to take care of their voice? 
Natalie: I’ve always loved singing—it’s been my way into theatre. As an actor in Singapore, I found myself needing to wear different hats to make ends meet, and I started teaching after studying voice and anatomy. Having had a few tough experiences with singing teachers myself, I wanted to create a kinder, more supportive space for singers, especially in musical theatre. That passion grew into Natalie Yeap Vocal Studio, and eventually led me to SRT as resident vocal coach. 

I love being able to combine artistry with vocal health, helping performers not just sing beautifully but also sustainably—because your voice has to last eight shows a week! A quick tip? Steam your voice. We’re often more dehydrated than we realize, and steaming brings instant hydration straight to the folds. 

6. What’s your dream role you’d love to play one day? 
Natalie: I’d love to play Rose in Dogfight. Her journey from being a people pleaser to finding quiet confidence and strength is so moving. She’s kind but unapologetically herself by the end, which I find beautiful. Plus, the Pasek and Paul score is divine—and vocally such a thrilling challenge! 

Catch Natalie in action as Nancy in Fried Rice Paradise – The Makan Party, currently running at Paradox Singapore Hotel till 14 Sep 2025. Book your tickets here.