For rising performers KD Estrada, Sheena Belarmino, and Vino Mabalot, the theater stage is more than a performance venue. It is a training ground that demands precision, courage, and emotional honesty.

Currently appearing in stage productions, the three artists say live performance reshapes how they approach their craft, both onstage and off.

Discipline before applause

For Estrada, the biggest transformation came from preparation. Theater, he said, leaves no room for shortcuts.

“Just discipline and yung work ethic din, parang when you go to work you have to make sure na you know everything. You know your parts and you know what you’re supposed to be doing.”

The experience also pushed him to think beyond acting. He shared that he hopes to direct in the future, citing inspirations including Coco Martin.

Fearless roles and full commitment

Belarmino took on a role that challenged expectations about her image. Without alternates, each performance required sustained focus and stamina.

“I’m really grateful for Sandbox Collective, the directors, the creatives, who really supported me all the way. Especially kasi wala akong alternate dito, every show laging ako yung nakasalang, and it’s a different experience lagi.”

Preparation, she said, was central to the process.

“I entered the production knowing the material way ahead. I really did my research.”

Her takeaway extended beyond technique.

“Let kids be who they really are and try to express themselves, through any form of art.”

The irreplaceable energy of a live audience

For Mabalot, who works in both screen and stage projects, theater offers a distinct experience.

“Art forms that involve a screen are challenging for me because they’re out of my comfort zone. Pero if we’re talking artistic difficulty, I crave the theater, yung live audience, yung work that goes into doing it.”

He described the connection with viewers as immediate.

“Iba yung feeling telling stories and then your audience is right there, and they can feel with you, they can breathe with you. It’s difficult pero yun yung pinaka-satisfying for me.”

A stage that teaches more than lines

Through rehearsals, layered roles, and live storytelling, the performers said they developed discipline, preparation, collaboration, and empathy.

For these young artists, theater remains a space where growth happens in real time, and where audience connection is immediate.