#37. Quinntessential Questions with Timothy Koh: From Singapore To Off Broadway
Watch now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with theatre director, writer, and educator Timothy Koh to explore his creative journey from Singapore to the Off-Broadway stage. If you've ever wondered how to build a career in theatre, navigate freelancing in the arts, or what it takes to bring a play to life — this episode is for you.
Timothy shares how he got started in theatre, the role of parental support in pursuing the arts, and his transformative experiences studying in the United States. He opens up about interning at a local theatre company, working Off-Broadway as a production assistant, and collaborating with non-profit theatre organisations in New York.
We discuss the challenges of freelancing as a creative professional, how COVID-19 impacted the performing arts industry, and what it was like returning to Singapore. Timothy also dives into his love for script analysis, directing actors, planning productions, and his dream creative team. The episode closes with a fun round of rapid-fire questions that reveal more of his personal side.
This episode is packed with insights for aspiring directors, performers, and anyone passionate about storytelling, stagecraft, or creative leadership.
Guest Bio
Timothy Koh is the Associate Director of Pangdemonium. With the company, he directed Doubt: A Parable (Production of the Year and Best Director nominations at the Life Theatre Awards) and Muswell Hill. With Pangdemonium, he’s assistant directed Into the Woods, People, Places & Things, and The Glass Menagerie, among others. He also helms the company’s Very Youthful Company and New Works Lab.
Minutes
(01:57) Timothy’s Background
(02:16) Journey into Theatre
(06:55) Parental Support
(09:45) Interning at a Theatre Company
(11:40) Studying in the USA
(13:10) Learning Different Aspects of Theatre
(14:50) Second Major in English
(17:00) Production Assistant Off Broadway
(18:20) Working with Non Profit Theatres
(21:20) Challenges of Freelancing
(22:16) Covid-19’s Impact
(23:58) Returning to Singapore
(26:10) Thoughts on Movies & TV Shows
(28:15) Best Production
(31:10) Planning Process
(35:30) Monologues
(37:10) Table Work with Actors
(41:25) Dream Play & Team
(47:40) Knowing the Lines for a Play
(49:00) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
