It is rolling out seven new programmes, including storytelling sessions for toddlers, drama and workshops for teenagers and a new series showcasing Malay art forms and artists.

Mr J.P. Nathan, 52, director of programming at the Esplanade, says: 'Over the past four to five years, we've been doing different things to build up a year-long arts calendar for everyone.'

The new initiatives - which will be sustained over the next five years - are brought in to supplement and grow the programming further, he adds.

One of these intiatives is a series of shows for two- to four-year-olds called PLAYtime!.

Children below the age of six are usually not allowed in the Esplanade's performance venues. But this quarterly series, which starts on Sept 29, will feature storytelling performances where toddlers are encouraged to participate.

The first performance, Tick & Tock, presented by Act 3 Theatrics, will be about the colours of the rainbow and how it is formed.

The Esplanade will also be rolling out the red carpet for Malay audiences outside its annual Pesta Raya - a Malay arts festival during Hari Raya.

Now, they will also be treated to Pentas - Setting The Stage, which presents Malay programmes at least four times a year.

The series will kick off with Nek Jah on Aug 26, featuring popular DJ Shaik Ibrahim from Radio Warna. His alter-ego Nek Jah will take audiences back to 'her' younger days.

Tickets are selling well, says Mr Nathan. Two workshops last month, Alternative Beats about music styles and Hips Don't Lie which is on belly-dancing aimed at tertiary students, were sold out.

Mr Nathan says: 'These programmes are good for audience development, especially for building up arts education for school children.'