25 Teachers Train as Theater Artists

At least 25 educators from 21 elementary and high schools in various barangays and sitios in Paracelis, Mountain Province participated in the three-day intensive workshop on basic theater arts skills conducted by volunteer theater artist Ma. Veronica Calaguas.

The teachers got involved in an experiential learning process, allowing them to engage in physical and mental activities at the same time exploring and understanding the basics of theater arts including body movement and voice, creative drama, improvisational drama, creative writing, visual arts and creative sound and music The training also stressed the importance of teamwork, sensitivity, commitment, focus, trust, and overcoming inhibitions in performing in theater arts.

The activity culminated with two groups showcasing their learning with a 10-minute dula-tula or staged poetry depicting their community and region, and diverse peoples and cultures. It is hoped that the trained educators would also teach selected students from their respective schools to form a theater group. Also, exercises learned during the workshop are hoped to be applied in the classroom setting.

A first for TPEF and majority of the participants, the three-day training on theater arts drew positive feedbacks. Most participants mentioned about engaging more in exciting exercises than lectures. According to them, the theater arts workshop promoted a learning environment that encourages participation, and with focus on self-discovery and at the same time in the development of individual’s knowledge and skills through collaboration with other people.