A closer look into professional theater

By September Grace Mahino
March 24, 2025

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How can a theater organization stage an impactful production despite limited funding? And what can an artist do to stave off or manage burnout? These are some of the questions raised by the student attendees of Behind The Curtain: An Arts Symposium for the Aspiring Creative that was held last February 5 and 12 across the De La Salle University Manila and Laguna campuses. It was organized by the De La Salle University’s Culture and Arts Office (Manila), Student Affairs Office (Laguna), and the Green Media Group - Laguna and produced in collaboration with Stage Door by GMGProductions, the leading organization in the Asia-Pacific theatrical scene that has brought internationally acclaimed productions such as Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton to Manila.

The Philippines doesn’t lack talent, certainly not when it comes to the performing arts. However, for the industry to sustain itself, aspiring practitioners must have a clear grasp of what it takes to stage a show and establish a career in this creative field. Behind The Curtain aimed to fill that gap by gathering some of the most accomplished professionals in the industry to share their firsthand knowledge and practical advice with aspiring creatives who, in turn, will take on the mantle of shaping the Filipino theater culture’s future.

 

The symposium was divided into three sessions, each one highlighting a specific aspect of theater. The first was “The Art and Craft of Directing the Show,” and it was led by award-winning director and choreographer Dexter M. Santos, best known for his work on Ang Huling El Bimbo and Buruguduytsunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical. Santos’ discussion focused on the intricacies of directing stage productions and the creative process. He also touched on the evolving landscape of Philippine theater and how creatives can adapt to its changes.

For the second session, “The Unsung Heroes of Musical Theatre,” esteemed Mula Sa Buwan and Bar Boys writer and director Pat Valera moderated the discussion along with GMG Productions executive producer Sam Sewell. It highlighted the collaborative nature of professional productions and brought up the lesser-known key players in theater production whose work may not be as visible as the actors’ performances but nevertheless enhances the storytelling.

 

The session brought together professionals from various technical and creative fields within theater: Tanghalang Pilipino stage manager Rafa Lubigan; CCP production manager Joshua Chan; hair and makeup artist Myrene Santos; Justine Hipolito and Mynah Maglonzo from GMG Productions’ marketing and multimedia; sound RF technician Aron Roca; production designer and producer Mio Infante; theater actress Gab Pangilinan; and lighting designer and Gawad CCP Awardee Monino Duque.

Aside from the panelists, the symposium also played pre-recorded video messages from guest speakers responding to curated questions that were sent beforehand. The mix of local and international theater professionals allowed participants a unique opportunity to learn about global theater standards and technical expertise: director Toff De Venecia; musical director Ejay Yatco; stage manager Ed Murillo; costume designer Raven Ong; Broadway sound designer and touring sound supervisor Justin Stasiw; musical director Geoffrey Castle; theater actress Joanna Ampil; creative designer Faust Peneyra; international touring performers Emily Adams, Rachel Zapata, Isabelle Morris, Laurence Mossman, and Kiara Dario; and hair and wig designer and makeup artist Leslie Espinosa.

 

The last session, titled “Journey to Confident Communication,” was led by theater and television actor and Repertory Philippines artistic director Jeremy Domingo who imparted invaluable insights into communication techniques, stage presence, and the role of confidence in artistic expression and everyday life.

Kristin Cabangunay, production and logistics division manager of De La Salle Innersoul, DLSU’s premier vocal group, believes that tapping into collegiate organizations is key in ensuring the continued growth of the Philippine theater scene. “They’re some of the most underrated sites for growing theater artists brimming with potential,” she said, citing the student artists’ capability to juggle school work with either or both performing and backstage work. “I've met some of the most passionate, hardworking people who pour their effort, time, and talent all for the sake and for the love of the performing arts [in these organizations].”

However, their potential must be developed accordingly. According to Cabangunay, “Opportunities to learn about theater from professionals, most especially the lesser-known aspects such as stage design, lighting design, and the like, are few and far between.” Events such as Behind The Curtain bring the industry closer to the students to give them a deeper look into how they can translate their creative passion into a viable career on- and offstage. “Events such as this symposium may very well serve as a growing artist's foot in the industry's door, and can be the spark that ignites the new generation—which could become the pathway towards a brighter future for Philippine theatre.”

Check out Green Media Group - Laguna’s Linktree and follow its social media accounts to be updated on its events.

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