Hometown: I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Then I moved to Richmond, BC when I was 10.
Education and Training: I am a recent graduate of the University of Victoria’s BFA Theatre program where I specialized in acting/performance throughout my degree. I also have training in singing, dance, applied theatre, stage management, and technical theatre.
What influenced you to pursue a career in theatre?
I was inspired to take a drama class after getting a little too into “Hamilton” in middle school. In that class, I discovered that creating performance art and sharing it live with an audience excited me like no other. That excitement only deepened as I worked on more projects, and I now can’t see myself doing anything else!
What do you love about theatre?
I love everything about theatre. I love how it’s human. I love how it’s vulnerable. I love how theatre is relevant and boldly reflects our current society. I love how it connects us to the present. Being present and vulnerable is very healing in this fast-paced world, and theatre encourages us to go there. Theatre has taught me to live with more compassion and empathy, and because of that, I have so much love and gratitude for this art form. I also love working with theatre people because they are some of the most generous and hardworking people you’ll ever meet. There is never any shortage of human connection when you’re doing theatre, and I think that is just beautiful.
Which plays and musicals were you in, and what were your roles?
I have had the privilege to perform in both Vancouver and Victoria these past few years. Some of my recent credits include:
- Camp Goneaway – Evie (Ragamuffin Productions; Vancouver Fringe)
- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Marcy Park (Phoenix Theatre)
- Matilda the Musical – Ensemble, U/S Miss Honey (Theatre Under the Stars)
- “The Killing Game” by Eugène Ionesco – Old Woman, Emile, Others (Phoenix Theatre)
- Spring Awakening – Thea (Phoenix Theatre)
Upcoming: I am returning to UVic’s Phoenix Theatre as an alumni to perform in an applied theatre piece titled “The Salty Scent of Home”. It celebrates stories of Canadian immigrants and refugees through dance and physical theatre. We just finished touring it up-island and we’re excited to bring it to bring it back to the Phoenix in the fall! If you’re in Victoria from October 9th-18th, come check it out!
If you hadn’t become a performer, what might you have pursued professionally?
If I wasn’t a performer, I would probably pursue another career path in theatre like stage management or arts education. But if I were to completely stray away from the performing arts, I would probably pursue a career in psychology as that’s another interest of mine.
Career goals?
My career goal is to always stay connected to theatre and acting. I would love to perform regularly in professional stages across Canada and beyond. Performing in a production of “Hamilton” would also be a great full-circle moment. And becoming a series regular in a TV show would be pretty epic. As long as I’m involved in performance art in some way, I am open to whatever that looks like!
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