𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀

Students from Fourth-Year Communication took center stage in mastering the essentials of performance during the seminar titled “Beyond the Spotlight: A Seminar and Workshop on the Fundamentals of Theater Performance,” at Smith Hall Theater Room on February 13. 

Organized by Frankie Pascua, Rosalinda Lapuz, Alyssa Marie Lulu, Wendy Maniego, Diether Castillo, and Mae Antonio, the event sought to provide students with a basic knowledge and skills set in theater performance covering stage presence, voice skills, and emotional authenticity. 

The seminar started with an Introduction to Theater, where speakers highlighted the significance of engaging with the audience. They emphasized that creating a connection between the actor and the viewer is key to delivering a powerful performance, followed by a session on Understanding Theater Production, which focused on the collaborative aspect of theater. Participants explored how every component, from lighting to costume design, contributes to the success of a production. 

Further discussions explored the necessary skills for acting, such as voice control, stage presence, movement, blocking, and acting emotions. The students were introduced to how acting with the body through positions and emotions can be used effectively in storytelling, while voice projection and clarity are essential skills for an effective performance. 

Serving as the guest speaker at the seminar, Mr. Jonnel L. Chan, a former performer of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and a broadcaster of DZTC Radyo Filipino, shared his expertise in the theater industry. His engaging lecture, which covered the evolution of theater and the essential role of collaboration behind the scenes, deeply resonated with the students. 

Mr. Chan also talked about different stage arrangements and acting techniques, providing very useful information on how performances can be influenced by different stages and acting methods.  

The event wrapped up with an interactive Q&A session, followed by acting workshops where participants applied voice, movement, and emotional techniques. 

The seminar not only served as an academic requirement for the group, but also a valuable learning experience and a platform to motivate others to pursue and refine their theater skills.