Thank goodness for Theatre Actors Guild!

Last May 31, I had a recital for a 10-day Master Class in Acting that acclaimed director Anton Juan gave in cooperation with Music Artes and the Philippine Theatre Actors Guild (TAG). There was a significant discount to join the workshop if one was a TAG member and so without hesitation, I joined and I am now a proud TAG member.

The culmination recital was a presentation of scenes by the students who have really dedicated themselves to the betterment of their craft and who continue to hone their skills and talent. It saddens me to hear some people in the showbiz world that tend to think that one only goes to classes and workshops because one is not good at his  profession. Sorry to say, but it is through continuous and rigorous training that one excels — in any field. Acting is, without a doubt, no exception.

In line with TAG’s goal to provide continuing education for actors for the improvement of their art, the Training and Development committee also recently had the Lessac Kinsensensic Training, which is a comprehensive, creative, holistic approach to the development of the voice and body strength, power and expressiveness. The training is the first of its kind in the Philippines and I’m thoroughly impressed at this organization going on more than 200 people strong that continue to offer classes like this. It reminds me of the Screen Actors Guild Workshops that I used to take on Wilshire Boulevard for members of the union.

Meanwhile, TAG, once again in cooperation with Maria Jocelyn Glorioso of Music Artes, is excited to offer Juan’s Progressive Workshop for Directors that started this week and culminates at the end of the month on June 28. Interested participants must submit their CVs with their contact details. An interview with TAG’s Training and Development Committee will be conducted prior to registration. Slots are limited.

Workshop dates are June 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28 at 12 to 4 p.m. Recital is on June 28 at 5 to 10 p.m. Venue is Music Artes, Kalayaan Ave., Makati.

The fees are P10,000 (TAG members) and P15,000 (non-TAG enrollees).

For details, e-mail Karla Pambid at [email protected] or call her 0917-5343223.