Raising the Curtain Early: How Bangkok Theatre Project Is Shaping a New Generation of Theater Lovers

Co-founders Christine Chirawongviroj and Alexandra Just on bringing world-class children’s theater to Bangkok, and why it matters now more than ever

Thailand’s theater scene has long catered primarily to adult audiences, from experimental productions to large-scale performances. What Bangkok Theatre Project is doing feels refreshingly different. By focusing on children and families, the company is not only introducing younger audiences to live performance, but also laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

At the heart of the initiative are its two founders. Christine Chirawongviroj is a singer, educator, and school principal with more than 15 years in education, deeply committed to nurturing creativity and confidence through storytelling. Alexandra Just, a theater producer and founder of Curtain Up Studios, brings a strong background in performing arts education and cross-cultural storytelling, having built her career across England and Asia. Together, they are building something that goes beyond entertainment, a cultural entry point for young minds.

Below, they share their journey, vision, and why theater still matters in a screen-dominated world.

What inspired you to establish Bangkok Theatre Project, and what gap did you hope to fill?

Christine: The inspiration for Bangkok Theatre Project was born from a mix of deep personal passion for musical theatre and a professional desire to test the waters with a higher standard of family entertainment. When looking at regional hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong, it became clear that Bangkok had a significant untapped opportunity.

We saw a gap where high-quality, world-class cultural theatre for families should be. Our hope is that BTP doesn’t just fill that space, but actively drives the demand for it. We want to open a new world for children, proving that family entertainment in Bangkok can, and should, be a sophisticated, cultural experience.

Christine Chirawongviroj is a singer, educator, and school principal with more than 15 years in education

Bringing an internationally beloved production like The Tiger Who Came to Tea to Bangkok is a major milestone. What did it take to make this happen?

Christine: Bringing a production as beloved as The Tiger Who Came to Tea to Bangkok really came down to a combination of courage and trust. We had to have faith that Bangkok families were as hungry for world-class theatre as we were. It started with an on-a-whim email to the UK production company, and to our delight, they said yes.

Behind the scenes, it was a steep learning curve for both Alex and me. We were navigating a long list of firsts, from sourcing the perfect venue like M Theatre to building the right technical infrastructure. We spent months brainstorming and reaching out to every expert in our network to bridge the knowledge gap. Now, three shows in, that leap of faith has turned into a solid foundation. We’ve moved from wondering if it’s possible to knowing exactly how to make it happen, with room for improvement as we continue to grow.

Why does The Tiger Who Came to Tea resonate so strongly across cultures, including in Thailand?

Christine: We chose The Tiger Who Came to Tea as our debut production because of its remarkable accessibility. It’s a story that transcends language barriers, you don’t need to be fluent in English to understand the magic unfolding on stage.

For lifelong fans of Judith Kerr’s book, there is that wonderful tension of anticipating the Tiger’s arrival, only to be delighted by the creative way he actually makes his entrance.

For those new to the story, it’s a journey of pure surprise. Ultimately, the Tiger is a perfect ambassador for how theatre unites cultures. Despite being a magnificent creature who doesn’t speak, he communicates through politeness and shared connection, proving that great stories don’t always need words.

Alexandra Just, a theater producer and founder of Curtain Up Studios

Why is it so important to introduce children to live theater at an early age?

Alexandra: We think it’s about sparking imagination at the point when it’s most alive. Kids don’t need to be taught how to imagine, they already do it instinctively, and theatre meets them there. It shows them that a bare stage can become anything, and that they can be part of that world too.

For me, it’s about giving them permission to be creative, to think differently, and to see that storytelling isn’t something distant, it’s something they can do. If that spark happens early, it can really stay with them.

How can theater shape a child’s creativity, confidence, and emotional development?

Alexandra: We think theatre gives children a space where all those things can grow naturally, without it feeling like a lesson. When they watch or take part in a performance, they’re using their imagination, making connections, and exploring ideas in their own way.

It can be really powerful for confidence too. Just being in that environment, seeing people express themselves freely, or having a chance to do it themselves, helps them feel like their voice matters.

And emotionally, theatre lets them experience different feelings in a safe way. They can recognise themselves in a story, or understand someone else’s perspective, and that builds empathy without forcing it. It’s a very gentle but lasting kind of impact.

In an age dominated by screens, how do you keep live performance relevant for today’s children?

Alexandra: I think it’s more important than ever, because so much of children’s lives now are spent on screens, where everything is fast, controlled, and a bit passive.

Live theatre offers something completely different. It’s happening right there in front of you, and you’re part of it just by being in the room. That sense of presence and connection is something kids really respond to.

For me, it’s also about creating space for them to be a bit freer, to play, to imagine, and to express themselves without being told exactly what to think or feel. If we can tap into that, theatre doesn’t have to compete with screens, it offers something they can’t get anywhere else.

What is your long-term vision for Bangkok Theatre Project?

Christine: Our long-term vision is to remain ambitious in our search for world-class theatre that resonates here in Thailand. While our current focus is on children and family entertainment, we don’t view that as a limitation. We see theatre as a medium that should attract and inspire all age groups.

However, we believe the key to a thriving cultural scene is to instill an appreciation for the arts at the earliest possible age. By nurturing this new generation of theatre lovers now, we are building a foundation for a city that values and seeks out sophisticated, live storytelling for years to come.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of Bangkok Theatre Project]