Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) was established in 1981 with the aim of preserving and promoting Chinese Opera, drama, dance and music. It has been actively involved in Singapore's Chinese Opera scene and has presented no less than 1000 performances in Singapore and overseas.

It is the most widely travelled Chinese Opera troupe, having performed in 15 countries spanning across five continents : Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Romania, Scotland, Turkey and United States of America.

CTC is noted for its pioneering efforts and creative endeavours. In 1984 CTC implemented its "Bringing Chinese Opera To The People" plan with a series of Cantonese Opera performances at Community Centres thus paving the way for mass participation in Chinese Opera activities at Community Centres.

CTC created history when it conducted a series of talks and demonstrations on Chinese Opera in colleges and universities in Minnesota, USA in 1992.

In December 1993 at a special invitation by the Chinese Theatre Association in China (PRC), CTC presented two Cantonese Operas "The Poet Emperor Li Yu" and "A Costly Impulse" in Beijing. Its signature opera "A Costly Impulse" was recorded "live" by the Central Television of China. It was telecast in Beijing on September 1995 nationwide to a viewership of 700 million people. The telecast was repeated in November 1996.

It made its debut in the Arts Education Programme in 1995 and conducted a total of 36 sessions of talks and demonstrations on Chinese Opera at 24 schools and junior colleges. In 1996 it presented 31 sessions at 21 schools and junior colleges.

Besides performing, CTC also organises training courses, talks, demonstrations and seminars as well as Chinese Opera Festivals in Singapore. It has also produced videos, cassette tapes and compact discs

Mrs Joanna Wong Quee Heng BBM is CTC’s Artistic Director cum Leading Actress while Miss Lou Mee Wah the Opera Instructor cum Leading Actor.

Mrs Joanna Wong has been conferred the prestigious Public Service Star Award by the Singapore Government in 1974 for her contribution towards community service, and also the Cultural Medallion in 1981 for her artistic excellence and achievements.

Miss Lou Mee Wah has been awarded the National Youth Award in 1980 and the Cultural Medallion in 1997 by the Singapore Government for her artistic excellence and achievements.

Both Joanna Wong and Lou Mee Wah have also received Commendation Certificates from the Ministry of Culture in Beijing, China (PRC). They are "Singapore Chinese Opera’s most well known duo".

In August 1997 CTC was awarded the Excellence for Singapore Award. This award was instituted by the Singapore Totalisator Board in 1996 to recognise and honour individuals, groups of individuals, or organisations that bring credit to Singapore by being among the best in their areas of activity in Asia or in the world.

On 25 March 1995 CTC was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee known as CHINESE THEATRE CIRCLE LIMITED, a non profit professional arts company. It is the first non profit professional performing Chinese Opera company in Singapore.