Ashley in character as Hayley, the antagonist in The Monster in The Mirror.
Photo Credit: Ashley New

Theatre actors like Ashley New are used to the over-the-top style of acting. On a vast stage, with the audience seated far away, they are expected to exaggerate their movements, amplify their expressions and amp up their emotions. 

But now, the 19-year-old and her fellow cast members from The Monster in the Mirror, a musical by Bitesize Theatre Production, have all learnt to dial it down for the camera.

As the Covid-19 pandemic made it difficult for live shows to go on, many theatre companies have adapted their physical productions for online streaming. The Monster in the Mirror, which was supposed to be staged in May last year, was eventually remade for the computer screen. It was streamed as video on demand on SISTIC earlier this year. Now, it’s also available on Vimeo on Demand for $18 and a 48-hour streaming window. 

How challenging was it for Ashley to turn from a stage actress to a screen actress? What are the pros and cons of bringing physical theatre online? Hear from the young actress in this video. 

Edited By: Adiel Rusyaidi Ruslani and Charlotte Chang

Proofread By: Teo Yin Yan