Brandon Singh has always harboured a fascination with embodying multiple personas. “Acting gives you that ability to be whoever you want,” Singh expressed. “That’s the thing about acting, there are just so many faces you can put on and just be someone else in that moment.”
Singh, 20, recently became a member of the Theatre Guild fraternity, acknowledging its pivotal role in his journey of professional growth. Here, he delved into invaluable techniques, honing his skills in voice projection through breathing exercises and mastering stage geography to command a presence. Reflecting on his progress since venturing into theatrical performances, Singh noted a consistent upward trajectory. While he initially excelled at swiftly memorising lines, he candidly admitted grappling with character portrayal. However, through practice and exposure to diverse acting opportunities, he attested to significant strides in this aspect of his craft.
In addition to his aspiration to inhabit various personas, acting has played a pivotal role in Singh’s personal development. He revealed that he grapples with shyness, and acting has served as a pathway for him to cultivate boldness. Furthermore, theatre has provided a cathartic outlet for him to navigate and process emotions that he may find challenging to express in his everyday life.
While acting initially sparked Singh’s interest in theatre, he has since developed a fondness for writing. His journey into playwriting commenced when he submitted his debut play, “Keeping Up,” to the Theatre Guild One Act Festival. Singh expressed his delight at the warm reception his play received.
His passion for writing plays was ignited during his attendance at the Theatre Guild Wednesday workshop. He disclosed that he meticulously crafted around 20 drafts before finally submitting the play to the festival. It was the seasoned thespians who played a pivotal role in nurturing Singh’s skill set and instilling the confidence he needed to submit his play. He credited Simone Dowding as particularly instrumental, noting her steady encouragement despite his own doubts about his talent.
The play delved into the experiences of a school girl grappling with same-sex attraction, coping with the loss of her mother, and facing bullying from her father. Singh aimed for the audience to glean the message that judgement should be withheld, as everyone navigates their own traumas. He emphasised the importance of kindness and empathy in interpersonal communication, highlighting that each person is wrestling with their own challenges. Through his work, Singh strives to authentically portray the complexities of life and underscore the value of empathy.
After the play’s staging, Singh described a sense of euphoria, expressing hope that the audience could find solace in seeing real-life experiences reflected on stage. He emphasised the importance of people connecting with his work, viewing it as essential for the purpose of art. He found value in listening to audience members, particularly one who expressed that the story resonated deeply with her own experiences, highlighting its relatability.
Singh reflected on how his belief in the transformative power of the arts as a reflection of society was reinforced during a trip to Colombia. There, he participated in a youth programme supported by the Colombian government, which allocated funds to theatre and film projects aimed at addressing societal issues. This experience inspired Singh to contemplate returning to his own community with a similar mission. The trip also reinforced previously held beliefs. He expressed his belief in the capacity for human beings to enact significant change and cited a book of poetry he authored, titled “The Evolution of a Caterpillar,” as emblematic of this sentiment. Singh described the book as a metaphorical journey for individuals striving for greatness despite life’s challenges. He emphasised its deeply personal nature, reaffirming it as a reflection of his worldview.
At present, Singh finds support from his friends and family, who encourage him to pursue his passions. Their encouragement provides him with the additional strength and motivation to continue pursuing his artistic endeavours.
