A musical theater consultant at 13

MANILA, Philippines - Shuttling between countries for 13-year-old ingénue Julia Abueva (Children’s Letters to God, The Fantasticks) is normal. Julia is also Pocketful of Kids’ youngest creative consultant for their Encore! musical theater program.  

“Young students must perform in shows that are fun for kids — musicals like Annie, Oliver, The Sound of Music and Disney shows,” says Julia.

She has performed in concerts and musicals in Singapore and the Philippines since she was five, sharing the stage with Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Deborah Gibson, among others. Oprah Winfrey handpicked Julia as one of the World’s Most Talented Kids.  She manages to juggle schoolwork with her performing commitments including her recent performance at the 2009 APEC where she performed for US President Barack Obama and other world leaders. 

Mentoring the Encore! musical theater program is international stage actress Jenny Jamora whom Julia had the pleasure of working with in some of her past shows.

Encore!, the performing arts school, has its own mini theater at Pocketful of Kids’ 250- square meter toy store in the Ortigas Center. Board members, instructors and consultants range from experienced theater personalities like multi-awarded director, TV and stage personality Leo Rialp and international theater artist Jake Macapagal. 

Those who want to develop their talents and perform on stage can do so at Encore! classes include musical theater, voice and props production. 

Encore! students will be showcased in a concert on Feb. 27 at Sunset Pavilion of Hotel Sofitel, Manila.  Julia will perform with them together with acclaimed international musician Jon Schmidt and cellist Steven Sharp Nelson.  

For details or tickets to the concert, call Pocketful of Kids at 634-2888 and 634-7888; or visit them at Unit A, 15th Floor, Strata 2000 building on F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center. You may also log on to www.encoreinterarts.com.