Tiango highlights challenges in Philippine Theater at COMM 4B seminar

Report by Joaquin Umali | Photos by JM Magday

Team 5 of BA Communication 4B empowered the audience in a theater seminar with the theme “COMManding the Stage: A Seminar in Directing Techniques in Theater,” at the Smith Hall – Theater Room, TSU Main Campus, last February 28, 2025.

The seminar focused on essential theater techniques, including stage elements, lighting, set design, accent localization, and the role of diction in effectively portraying characters.

“Diction is very important, kasi what if magaling kang sumayaw, magaling kang kumanta, or magaling kang mag-perform pero diction is not good. Paano ka maiintindihan ng audience mo?” said Team 5 member Cyril Crisologo.

Guest Speaker and TSU Alumnus Dandy Tiangco Jr. commended the group for well-rounded presentation, emphasizing the significance of stage design and technical aspects in theater production.

Moreover, Tiangco also highlights a brief history of Philippine theater, explaining its roots in pre-colonial rituals. He acknowledged the challenges the industry faces.

“Hindi tayo gaanong kaingay sa teatro.” He stated.

Additionally, he differentiated between film and stage acting, emphasizing the director's vital role in a play. Tiangco also reminded the audience that acting in film and acting on stage are way different, before emphasizing the role of a director in a play.

As part of the interactive segment, the seminar featured an acting icebreaker where participants reenacted Vice Ganda’s famous “Make Lugaw” scene from Sisterakas where Len Filip Rebomante led the performance, showcasing the importance of line delivery and facial expressions.

Moreover, Senior Comm Student and CAASUC III’s Short and Sweet Play First-Runner Up Actor, Ace Tiagan, highlighted the benefits of Team 5’s seminar, and how he can apply these in future plays.

“For me, the technicalities and terminologies na binigay nila. Kasi as an actor na lumaban sa CAASUC, parang sinabak agad kami sa laban and acting…hindi na kami nagtuon pansin sa mga technicalities and on-the-spot.” He said.

Tiagan highlighted the seminar's significance in refining his skills in theater, noting that his prior experience helped him grasp the discussions with ease. He emphasized that the event provided valuable insights on how to further enhance his acting abilities and even consider a potential role as a director in the future.

The event concluded with the organizing team—composed of Carla Adriano, Josiah Chu, Cyril Crisologo, Aisha Dimla, and Gizelle Feliciano—distributed certificates, keychains, and complimentary snacks to participants.