Curtains up, Manila, because The Sandbox Collective is going beyond productions and investing in community and training.
REB Atadero leads Sandbox Beyond The Stage, bringing theater fans together for open mics, quiz nights, and community hangouts across Metro Manila.
Photo courtesy of upklyak on Freepik
Sandbox is cranking up the house lights on community vibes with Sandbox Beyond The Stage (BTS) and leveling up its arts education game with Playground: The Sandbox Masterclass Series. Whether you’re a certified theater kid, a backstage lurker, or just someone who ugly-cries at 11 o’clock numbers — there’s a seat (or spotlight) for you.
Leading the charge is Reb Atadero, Sandbox’s new Head of Audience Development, who’s basically turning fandom into a full-blown ensemble number. Through Sandbox BTS, expect quiz nights, open mics, and hangouts in partner spots around Metro Manila. It’s giving theater geeks unite.
After kicking things off with a quiz night last month, BTS is back with an open mic called “Sing Awakening” — yes, pun fully intended. Hosted by Reb himself, the night will feature cast members from Spring Awakening and promises Broadway bangers, big feels, and probably at least one person belting like rent is due.
Reb describes Sandbox BTS events as "nerdy" but effective ways for fans to connect and build a community of theater-lovers.
“I want Sandbox BTS to be a name that theatre fans think about when they want to hang out and have fun with friends they’ve made watching shows or geeking out over theatre,” Reb said.
“I want it to be a hangout spot for those who live and breathe the stage and those who want an avenue to get into theatre which can sometimes be intimidating.”
Mark your playbills: Sandbox BTS: Sing Awakening Open Mic hits the mic on 4 March at Sari-Sari Speakeasy Bar on Washington Street, Makati City. Warm up those vocal cords — or at least your applause.
If BTS is the after-party, Playground is the boot camp.
Sandbox’s new Head of Arts Education, Marvin Ong, is rolling out Playground — a masterclass series for performers who don’t just want to “break a leg,” but actually know how. Designed for ages 16 and up (preferably with some stage cred), the program caps at 20 slots. Yes, twenty. So if you’re serious about your craft, this is not the time to miss your cue.
Marvin Ong said that it aims to further enhance the skills of Filipino performers as it focuses on exploration, collaboration, discipline, embodiment, and courage.
“If we are to contribute to making Philippine theater an industry, we need to be able to equip more people to the standards that it demands,” Marvin said. “And who better to give it than the legends, the masters, and the shapers of Philippine theater itself.”
And by legends, they mean legends. The instructor lineup reads like a standing ovation: Audie Gemora, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jaime del Mundo, Ejay Yatco, and JM Cabling. Basically, your dream panel of judges — except they actually want you to win.
Applications for the first batch are now open. Classes start 28 March, with a showcase on 18 April. Yes, there will be receipts. Yes, there will be growth.
“You’re learning from the best of the best in Philippine theater — equipping you with skills to elevate your artistry so that you’re ready to book that next play, commercial, competition, and go-see you’ve been eyeing,” Marvin said.
Sandbox Artistic Director Sab Jose-Gregorio sums it up best:
“As the industry continues to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to provide programs that cultivate both artists and audiences. These new initiatives are designed to give practitioners the space to explore, to train and sharpen their tools, and perhaps, to get their foot in the door.”
With these new programs, Sandbox is expanding its role beyond producing new work. It is investing in training, community, and audience engagement. The focus is not only on what happens onstage, but also on the spaces where artists develop and where audiences connect with the craft.
“I am incredibly proud and honored to share that our Arts Education and Audience Development programs are now in full swing. These programs represent an exciting new chapter — one rooted in education, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the continued growth of Philippine theater.”
And that, theater kids and theater-curious, is your cue.
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