Upstart Soundstage: Hear the Drama

Six theater directors—from edgy up-and-comers to seasoned veterans—present their passion projects in Upstart Soundstage: The Dramatic Reading Series at the Maybank Synergy Center, BGC’s newest artistic hub. Defined as theater shows in which works of literature (usually plays) are performed with scripts in hand, dramatic readings have become increasingly popular in places with an active theater culture, and are considered an art form in their own right. Joel Trinidad, founder of Upstart Productions, has long been an advocate. “You experience the entire show,” he states, “but with your ears.” Onyl Torres, Upstart’s Managing Partner, concurs: “It’s like a radio show, only better.”

Trinidad and Torres, with the support of Upstart’s newest artistic partner Maybank, have assembled six directors, each with a unique story to tell and a unique way in which to tell it: Reb Atadero, Steven Conde (Twin Bill Theater), Jeremy Domingo (Galleon Theatre Manila), Miguel Faustmann (Repertory Philippines), Arya Herrera, and Missy Maramara. Their cast lists include a wide variety of theater performers like Mako Alonso, Sam Concepcion, Hans Eckstein, Anne Gauthier, Fred Lo, Tami Monsod, Bibo Reyes, George Schulze, and many others.

And just what are these stories that these six directors are so eager to tell? In an unprecedented artistic move, Upstart is keeping the show titles secret. Torres explains that it’s a way of legitimizing dramatic readings, which are not too common in this country. “We want to promote the art form itself,” he explains, “not necessarily the individual shows.” Although a bold move indeed, Trinidad promises there will be something for everyone. “We have everything from a play about super-villains to a hip-hop musical about Moses,” he enthuses. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Upstart Soundstage: The Dramatic Reading Series is brought to you by Maybank. October 13 (8:00 pm), 14 (9:00 pm), and 15 (8:00 pm); November 3 (8:00 pm), 4 (9:00 pm), and 5 (8:00 pm) at the Maybank Synergy Center, G/F Maybank Corporate Centre, 7th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig. Donations will be accepted in lieu of tickets. Contact Upstart at 09178116156 or upstarttickets@gmail.com for more information