MANILA, Philippines - Internationally-acclaimed stage actors Isay Alvarez and Robert Seña have been passing the torch to budding performing artists through their Spotlight Artists Centre (SAC). After years of garnering recognition in the international theater scene, Robert and Isay, together with other equally-talented colleagues in the theater and entertainment industry, have taken it upon themselves to turn the spotlight on a new generation of stage thespians.
To date, the performing arts centre has nurtured the talents of young, exceptionally-gifted Filipino stage performers who could very well compete in the international theater scene.
One such theater prodigy is 13-year-old Mayumi Morales. The sister of popular child actor/singer Makisig Morales, Mayumi is a consistent honor student and has been selected as one of SAC’s scholars since she joined the school’s pilot batch of Musical Theatre enrollees.
After intensive training, Mayumi breezed through the advanced acting, creative dance and movement courses — displaying exceptional talent and finesse that earned her the chance to be the school’s very first representative to this year’s World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Hollywood.
Like proud parents, Isay and Robert are positive about Mayumi’s chances of winning in the WCOPA event, and are raising funds and making all necessary arrangements to ensure her participation. “We are optimistic about Mayumi’s chances there,” Isay shares. “With her talent and our prayers, we’re sure she can bag the junior world championship title and do our country proud.”
For his part, Robert’s output in the Integrated Scriptwriting and Directing Workshop under theater director Nestor Torre is one of the entries in this year’s Cinemalaya, which opens next month. Titled What Floor Po, Ma’am?, the movie was written by Robert and he co-directed it with Mike Sandejas. It also stars Pinky Marquez and Lex Marcos.
Kelly Latti, one of the students from the first batch of Spotlight’s five-month Musical Theatre course, will play the lead role in Atlantis Productions’ Spring Awakening, which opens in August.
After a successful summer showcase held at The Podium last June 6, Spotlight announces its succeeding round of group workshops starting this month. These include the five-month Musical Theatre 1 and 2, Creative Dance and Movement for Actors, Spotlight Kids, Scriptwriting (facilitated by Rody Vera), Acting (facilitated by Paolo O’Hara) and Directing Workshops. Also offered are individual classes for voice, guitar, drums, violin and piano.
For details, log on to www.spotlightartistscentre.com or call 899-8089.