PETA Summer Program: Theater workshops for all ages

As I entered the PETA building, I can't help the excitement running inside me because it's been my childhood dream to become an actress. Well, movie acting is different from stage acting. So, here I am ready to take the tour.

At the lobby

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is turning 50 years in 2017. PETA is an institution which reflects Philippine Society. What's good about them is that they use Filipino language in all their plays. PETA is an educational institution giving workshops and they're known in the Philippines as repertory. They also tour their plays and join international conference every 4 years.

We had our first glance of the theater and for me it looks really cool, seeing actors stretching & practicing. 

Next, we were all guided to the workshop room at the 3rd level. To be more comfortable, all foot wears are left in the shoe rack before entering. The room is big! Just being inside for the first time makes me nervous, but of course I didn't tell anyone. It's like I'm already one of their students participating. We were all informed that they always start forming a big circle, so that we can all see  and listen to each other.

For the first part, we got to know more about PETA. It is one of the Philippines' pioneer theater groups known for its original productions and community workshops. It's annual Summer Program opens this coming April 4, 2016.

The PETA Summer Program is an annual series of workshops formulated for children, teens, and adults programmed during the summer season. What sets this Summer Program from previous years is the additional special courses that open up new growth opportunities for aspiring theater performers and artists. Aside from the regular courses, PETA mounts 2 special courses for visual artists and for senior citizens looking for a refreshing theater experience. What surprised me is that even a 70 year old had just enrolled in PETA. Of course, senior citizens have special price for all workshops. They have different activities with the other groups, so it really varies with the age ranges. 

She is one of PETA's students before, and now she's one of PETA's actors.

It is not just about acting. We had games and this is for us to be familiar with each other. Then, we were divided into 2 groups and were asked to create a place or  room just using ourselves. No props! We had a lot more activities and it sure was fun and challenging. During this short period of workshop trial, we had almost memorized each attendees' names and learned a lot! Since we started forming a big circle, we also ended the session in a big circle as well. It doesn't end there, PETA gave us free tickets to 3 STARS AND A SUN! A free tour, workshop and now we get to watch the play!

  

Going down to the main theater, they make sure that it has a complete map near the door, for emergency exit. It's touching to see that one of their theaters was named after the late director, Lino Brocka (also a member of PETA), by his friend Jose Mari Chan. This is how they appreciate the .people who had made a big contribution to the industry.

  

Here's a peek inside PETA-PHINMA...

  

It's been more than 15 years since the last time I've watched a play and I am so amazed how different it was then. The theater is full and all actors are great! The sound is so different as it was a long time ago.

  

After the play, you can see a lot of people still talking about how they enjoyed watching. Some are outside the backroom, waiting for the actors to come out. Luckily, we also had a chance to meet and have selfies and groupies with some of the actors.

  

  

  

Of course it won't be complete going home without buying a remembrance, right?

  

To top it all, it's a fun and unforgettable experience! 

If you, a family member, a colleague, or a friend find it interesting, here are the details for a variety of courses of PETA:

CHILDREN'S THEATER WORKSHOPS

For kids ages from 6 to 8

The workshops will give the kids a chance to open up their creativity and imagination to create stories which they will be performing at the end of the workshops.

TEEN THEATER WORKSHOPS

For ages 13 to 16

They will get to learn the different disciplines of theater from writing, visual arts, dance, and music. 

The Teen Theater workshops present an environment wherein teens can express and relate experiences with the other enrollees. 

THEATER ARTS FOR BEGINNERS

BASIC ACTING FOR EXPERIENCED PERFORMERS

CREATIVE MUSICAL THEATER for the musically inclined

These are for young professionals and working adults. All adult workshops are scheduled to fit the hectic hours of work and school of young adults and professionals with sessions happening mostly after work and school.

VISUAL ARTS COURSE

Talented creatives who are more inclined to working on canvass may join. Taught by a seasoned PETA artist-teacher focused on drawing and painting, enrollees of the Visual Arts course will get a chance to learn how the lively and energetic character of theater can be emanated through pencil, paper and canvass.

THEATER ARTS FOR SENIORS
Aged 60 and above
A special course that will be offered this coming year. It is a refreshing creative experience that will surely inspire and get them moving. The course encourages seniors to relive memorable moments through the lenses of theater and arts.

All courses will have a final output where the enrollees are able to showcase all the skills they have acquired in the workshops.

Experience based approach
Another notable aspect of PETA's workshops is its unique integrated theater arts (ITA) approach. This approach uses enrollees of a holistic theater experience as it discusses the varied elements of theater from creative writing, visual arts, creative drama, creative music, to body movement and dance.

Aside from the ITA approach, PETA uses the enrollees'own experience to draw out a production being based from the enrollees' own stories, students of the workshops feel more comfortable and open to the process of theater education.

Those who would like to enroll may contact PETA at 725 6244, 0905 369 6003, or petatheater@gmail.com to schedule their enrollment. Additional information on the workshops such as the schedule, fees, and course descriptions are available at www.petatheater.com/summer-workshop/.

BRING OUT THE CREATIVITY IN YOU!

ENROLL NOW!

QUEZON CITY

PETA Theater Center

No. 5 Eymard Drive

New Manila

Quezon City

ROCKWELL/MAKATI

PINEAPPLE LAB

6071 Palma Street

Barangay Poblacion

1210, Makati

Thank you PETA for this handy and useful souvenir!