Amid the vibrant hum of the Senior Project Expo at the La Salle Coliseum Lobby, one booth stood out not just for its visuals but for the vision it brought: Curtains of Hope.
This student-led theatre advocacy project captivated the crowd with its compelling mission — to make theatre an inclusive, transformative experience for all, a press release said.
Curtains of Hope took center stage during the event as it showcased its initiative through interactive displays, educational materials, and a hands-on production workshop.
The team shared their advocacy with energy and passion, drawing attendees into the world of theatrical storytelling — from costume and set design to the raw emotion of acting. Their booth featured pamphlets, models of stage layouts, and even paintbrushes and props, inviting guests to imagine and create their own dream stage.
“This is more than just a project,” said one of the student presenters. “We want to ignite the spark of theatre in every person we meet.”
The project didn’t just end at the expo. Curtains of Hope announced a series of official workshops, each designed to nurture creativity and theatrical skills.
The first, held on April 7, at the Theatre Studio, Artists’ Hub, was titled “Basic Warm-Up & Body Awareness” and “Movement on Stage”. These sessions introduced participants to foundational stage techniques while fostering confidence and self-expression.
Spearheading that session was Lyra E. Jumiller, a seasoned performer and the Cultural Undersecretary of the USLS Political Science Society.
A member of the Maskara Theatre Ensemble since 2019, Lyra brings a wealth of experience in acting, directing, and musical performance. Her credentials include roles in “Reunion”, “Amon Banwa”, and the Tanghal 2022 staging of “Sailor Moon”, as well as directing the ensemble’s play “End Scene.”
Building on that momentum, Curtains of Hope is also held a follow-up workshop on April 14, also at the Theatre Studio, Artists’ Hub. Titled “Basic Acting” and “Improvisation”, the second session was coordinated by Lily Garovillo, who guided participants through performance fundamentals and spontaneous theatrical expression. Her involvement marks another step forward in expanding the project’s reach and depth.
Founded by Gian Delos Reyes, Curtains of Hope is a student-led initiative born from a love of the arts and a desire to make theatre more accessible and transformative. Under his leadership, a dynamic team of students came together to bring the project to life: Marcus Rei C. Sardua, Katelene Ng, Shaine Adapon Cuachon, and Anton Echauz.
With their hearts on stage and eyes set on broader horizons, Curtains of Hope is not just igniting the theatre scene in Bacolod; it’s reminding the youth that the arts are for everyone.*PR