The Sandbox Collective, one of Manila’s leading theater organizations, is opening its doors to theater professionals and enthusiasts alike.

This season, Sandbox is doubling down on community-building and arts education efforts with two back-to-back events: Sandbox Beyond The Stage: Sing Awakening and Playground: The Sandbox Masterclass Series.

 Reb Atadero, The Sandbox Collective’s new Head of Audience Development, hopes to deepen engagement through a new slate of community-building initiatives designed to bring audiences closer to the craft—through Sandbox Beyond The Stage (BTS).

Through Sandbox BTS, the company will host special events such as quiz nights and open mics in partner establishments within Metro Manila.

Also joining the company is Marvin Ong, The Sandbox Collective’s new Head of Arts Education. Ong proudly launches Playground, a series of masterclasses, which aim to educate, inspire, and empower artists to be the next creative forces in the theater industry. Sessions will be led by industry veterans and luminaries who have worked with the company, or are currently involved in a Sandbox production.

Be awakened by Broadway hits and more

From its first installment in early February with its quiz night, Sandbox BTS is back again, but now with an open mic entitled “Sing Awakening”. The event will be hosted by Atadero and will feature cast members from Spring Awakening.

Reb Atadero said Sandbox BTS events are “nerdy” but effective ways for fans to connect and build a community of theater-lovers.

“I want Sandbox BTS to be a name that theatre fans think about when they want to hang out and have fun with friends they’ve made watching shows or geeking out over theatre,” Reb said.

“I want it to be a hangout spot for those who live and breathe the stage and those who want an avenue to get into theatre which can sometimes be intimidating.”

Sandbox BTS: Sing Awakening Open Mic will take place on March 4, 2026 at the Sari-Sari Speakeasy Bar, Washington Street, Makati City.

Mastering the craft with Playground

Sharing its mark of theatrical excellence, The Sandbox Collective introduces Playground — a professional training series designed for performers who want to sharpen their craft and show up fully prepared when opportunity comes.

The program is open to those aged 16 and up, preferably with previous professional or theater experience. The masterclass series will have a maximum of twenty (20) slots and applications will be accepted and screened through the website portal.

Marvin Ong said that it aims to further enhance the skills of Filipino performers as it focuses on exploration, collaboration, discipline, embodiment, and courage.

“If we are to contribute to making Philippine theater an industry, we need to be able to equip more people to the standards that it demands,” Marvin said. “And who better to give it than the legends, the masters, and the shapers of Philippine theater itself.”

The company also announced its lineup of instructors which includes Audie Gemora, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jaime Del Mundo, Ejay Yatco, and JM Cabling.

The applications for the first batch of Playground are now open, with classes beginning on March 28, along with a showcase on April 18.

“You’re learning from the best of the best in Philippine theater — equipping you with skills to elevate your artistry so that you’re ready to book that next play, commercial, competition, and go-see you’ve been eyeing,” Marvin said.

The new era of Sandbox

The Sandbox Collective’s Artistic Director Sab Jose-Gregorio shares, “As the industry continues to grow and evolve, now is the perfect time to provide programs that cultivate both artists and audiences. These new initiatives are designed to give practitioners the space to explore, to train and sharpen their tools, and perhaps, to get their foot in the door.”

With these new programs, Sandbox cements itself not only as Manila’s leading force in producing new, groundbreaking, and cutting-edge theatrical work, but it also redefines itself as a creative hub that innovates and bridges the gap between audiences, artists, and different bodies of work.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to share that our Arts Education and Audience Development programs are now in full swing. These programs represent an exciting new chapter — one rooted in education, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the continued growth of Philippine theater.”.