The return of theater has brought forward talented actors who are no longer waiting in the wings but making their entrances with aplomb.
In the past year and a half, Philippine theater has undergone a resurgence. Across the different companies, original stories stand shoulder to shoulder with favorites from Broadway and the West End. Audiences of all ages have come in droves, finding a little piece of the stage with stories and songs that resonate with them.
These guys are among the many reasons why the stage lights are shining bright. Here are 5 actors to watch.
MARKKI STROEM
Markki Stroem is a bit of an enigma. Tall with disarming good looks, he walks around with the matinee idol air of someone used to life in the spotlight. No stranger to theater, he grew up taking workshops at Repertory Philippines as a kid.
Watching him in 9Works Theatricals’ recent staging of Rent, alternating as Benny Coffin and Tom Collins, and as Orin in The Sandbox Collective’s Little Shop of Horrors, you get what all the hype is about. Stroem casts quite a presence onstage with his solid commitment to the characters he plays.
You’ve seen him in: Rent (2024), Next To Normal, Disney’s Camp Rock, The Sound of Music (International Broadway touring cast), Mula Sa Buwan, Angels In America, various TV and film projects.
Years on stage: 14 years
What you love the most about working in theater?
I love being able to step into somebody else’s shoes and living their lives. It’s like a master class in empathy. Why did they become that way? You learn to love the character, even if they are the bad guy. You cannot hate the person you are playing. On TV, you have minutes to create a character, and that’s barely the tip of the iceberg. In the theater rehearsal process, you can really shape your character.
I also love that you only have one take, so every show is different. You could have tech, band, acting, or vocal blunders, but you just keep the ball rolling.
Markki has such a wild imagination, which lends itself perfectly to the many roles he essays. He’s very intentional about his explorations, his dynamic performances are guided by killer instincts.”
—Toff de Venecia, artistic director, Sandbox Collective
Your greatest challenge as a theater actor?
I started professional theater 14 years ago with Next To Normal alongside Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Jett Pangan. I came straight from a reality competition, so I was nervous to work with these veterans. I’m also a natural Baritone bass, and most songs for leading men are for Tenors. This is why my dream characters are older than I am.
Your greatest realization about yourself from doing theater?
I am a method actor. I tend to live the characters I create. Depending on the role, it can be a problem. For example, I’m playing a psychopath dentist now. I have learned to use techniques like Meisner or Adler, so I don’t have to be engulfed in darkness.
I also find that I tend to work well in a loving environment—with support, void of comparison and name calling. You get more out of an actor by understanding and firm kindness than anger and being mean.
What is your dream role?
I crossed three roles off my bucket list this year: Benny Coffin and Tom Collins from Rent, and Orin from Little Shop of Horrors. Most of my dream roles are older. Dan from Next to Normal, Javert from Les Miserables, the engineer from Miss Saigon, and Hades from Hadestown. I would love to reprise my role of Joe Pitt in Angels of America if the show gets staged again.
VIC ROBINSON
Vic Robinson’s foray into professional theater began while he was a student. He was cast in Ateneo Blue Rep’s production of Rony Fortich’s Stages of Love. From there, fellow actor Marvin Ong convinced him to join PETA’s musical Si Juan Tamad, Ang Diyablo, at ang Limang Milyong Boto, alternating for the lead role.
Fifteen years later, Robinson is at the top of his game, having just played Emilio Jacinto in Tanghalang Pilipino’s critically acclaimed Pingkian: Isang Musikal. “Theater people, in my opinion, are among the most gifted yet underrated artists in the world,” he explains. “I am proud to have chosen it as my career.”
You’ve seen him in: Sa Wakas, Pingkian: Isang Musikal, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Si Juan Tamad, Himala: Isang Musikal, Ang Diyablo, at and Limang Milyong Boto
Years on stage: 15 years
What do you love the most about working in theater?
I love that theater is live and raw. You bare your soul on stage for the audience to see. You have to be in the moment, as there are no second takes. What you see is what you get.
On the other hand, we rehearse for months to make a show the best version it can be. This requires discipline, consistency, dedication and passion. Difficult, yes, but it’s the fulfillment of going through the entire process and hearing feedback from the audience that makes the journey worth it.
Aside from great talent, good ears, and an unlimited vocal range, Vic is one of the most professional and hardworking actors I know. He is also kind and pleasant, even in the most stressful situations.”
—Ejay Yatco, composer/musical director, Pingkian: Isang Musikal
Your greatest challenge as a theater actor?
My greatest challenge would be battling my inner saboteur. While it is common for beginners to lack self-confidence and be hounded by insecurities, I believe in the saying “experience is the best teacher.” Some skills you can’t learn overnight. You keep trying and failing until you gain the wisdom to become a better performer. It was the collective experience that helped me hone my craft and discover my persona as an artist.
Your greatest realization about yourself from doing theater?
There’s a saying that goes, “You’re only as good as your last performance.” Pingkian: Isang Musikal was my comeback after a five-year hiatus. It became a journey of self-rediscovery and overcoming insecurities and doubts. I took it as an opportunity to learn again, and to show the world that I’m still here. I focused my energies on improving my singing and acting techniques to sustain myself throughout the entire run without an alternate.
It takes great talent, consistency, and a good attitude for one to earn a role, and to earn longevity and respect in the industry. Alongside that, your passion and love for your craft, or anything you do, is what will help you go places.
What is your dream role?
I’ve always dreamt of playing a titular role that showcases my skills as an actor and as a singer – to the extreme. Pingkian: Isang Musikal made that dream come true for me. The bonus part is that it’s historical—playing a Filipino hero with a powerful message of inspiring hope and nationalism in the hearts of our audience.
I’d also love to do a role that plays with the natural order of time and space. Like the Marvel movies or Everything Everywhere All At Once. That dream applies to both stage and film. #Manifesting
ANTHONY ROSALDO
“Bata pa lang ako, gusto ko na talaga ang performing sa harap ng maraming tao. I find my home and happiness on stage,” is how Anthony Rosaldo explains his why as a singer and actor. But there were bigger dreams to be had. Watching PETA’s Rak of Aegis sparked an interest in theater, as he was in awe of how the actors acted, sang, and danced through an entire show, sans the retakes or cuts he was used to on TV.
The tipping point came, however, when he caught an online stream of Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical (AHEB) during the pandemic. “Nakita ko yung sarili ko na ginagawa yung role na young Hector. Maybe this was my calling,” enthused Rosaldo. So he made the leap, auditioning for, and being cast in AHEB, then in 9Works’ Rent the following year.
You’ve seen him in: “Ang Huling El Bimbo” (2023), “Rent” (2024), All Out Sundays (GMA)
Years on stage: 2 years
Anthony is such a hard worker and passionate about becoming really good at his craft. He found his place and confidence on the stage. He reminded me a lot of myself when I was a younger actor starting out.”
– Michael Williams, veteran stage actor/ director
What do you love the most about working in theater?
It’s discovering things that I never thought I would be able to do. For one, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to memorize a whole show. Iba rin yung kaba. I wasn’t sure how to accept the real-time emotions and reactions of the audience. It’s not like a concert where you can interact. Pero pagdating ng curtain call, ang sarap ng feeling – like a culmination of all the hard work. Iba siya sa lahat ng palakpak na narinig ko sa buhay ko.
Your greatest challenge as a theater actor?
If I’d pick one, it was when we were rehearsing for AHEB. I had to perform in front of all these seasoned actors. Alam nila lahat yung ginagawa nila, yung language ng theater. Baon ko lang yung little talent ko sa pag-arte, pagkanta, pagsayaw. I was so scared and lost. Nagkaroon ako ng anxiety. Hiyang-hiya ako kapag napagalitan ako. I’m not used to that. In the car going home, umiiyak ako kasi naubusan ako ng self-confidence. I even asked myself “Am I enough for this show or nagkamali lang sila in picking me.” I’m grateful that Ms. Menchu (Lauchengco-Yulo) and Sir Michael (Williams) were there to guide me. Every day, I would motivate myself na “kaya mo yan”.
Your greatest realization about yourself from doing theater?
Nothing is impossible. The things you can do are limitless if you pour 100% focus into it. Ang tingin ko sa teatro, parang napakahirap gawin. Di ko siya ma-imagine, pero nagawa ko.
Dream role?
Orpheus in Hadestown! It’s my favorite musical now. I’m taking a trip to New York soon, and I’m excited to see the actual show, and see how the songs are staged.
JEF FLORES
Jef Flores is your quintessential multi-hyphenate. For one, he is among the most in-demand theater actors of his generation. He has racked up an impressive list of lead and supporting roles, including a starring turn in shows like Red Turnip’s This Is Our Youth and 9Works Theatricals’ Tick, Tick, Boom. When he is not wowing us onstage, Flores flexes his artistry as a composer and as a performing arts teacher. Next on Flores’ list of must-do’s? To pen the next great musical. Now that is going to be epic.
You’ve seen him in: This Is Our Youth, Camp Rock: The Musical, The Boston (TV, 2014), Tick, Tick, Boom (2016 and 2023), Betrayal, One More Chance, The Musical
Years on stage: 12 years
Jef’s rise to stardom is assured. He sings, he dances (and how), and he acts. His intelligence and sensitivity set him apart. If you had to look for an example of a complete artist, you couldn’t do better than Jef.”
—Bart Guingona, veteran stage and film actor / director
What do you love the most about working in theater?
My favorite part about theater is the applause. Sometimes the audience claps a little, like they’re saying, “That was boring but good try.” Sometimes they clap a lot and it says, “You made my night” or “You changed my life.” It lets me know what effect we had on them. Perhaps “words of affirmation” is my love language. Good applause is that happy sign that the show is theater-ing.
Your greatest challenge as a theater actor?
Dancing was, and still is, my biggest obstacle. I used to get removed from dance numbers for being so awkward. I still am, but it’s workable now. Thanks and apologies to all my choreographers for my snail-paced progress as a dancer.
Your greatest realization about yourself from doing theater?
You never really know what’s going on. Ideas evolve and change. Some ideas were stupid in the first place and get trashed entirely. If you hold on too tightly, then you’re strangling the whole creative process. There’s no room for discovery. It takes confidence to contribute, but humility to edit.
What is your dream role?
I’d love the chance to play Alexander Hamilton.
VIEN KING
At first glance, Vien King looks like the boy-next-door that all the girls have a crush on. Except he can also sing and act his way into your heart. “When Vien joined my cast of Eto Na! Musikal nAPO, I knew right away who could play the lead in my next musical,” says Robbie Guevara, who would later direct him in Philippine Opera Company’s Passion. “Here was a fresh handsome face with a really beautiful voice.”
A lead role in a children’s theater production was the onus for him to keep honing his craft. Since then, he has earned the admiration of his peers for both his skill and generosity as an actor. “Theater humbles you,” says King. “I will never regret my journey of working hard for where I am now.”
You’ve seen him in: Tick, Tick, Boom, Rama Hari, Passion, Eto na! Musikal nAPO!, Disney In Concert: Live Your Dream (Malaysia), The Jet Theaters
Years on stage: 10 years
What do you love the most about working in theater?
Performing on stage has always been my dream. Theater continues to challenge me to grow as an actor, singer, dancer, and an overall performer. The demand in this industry is high, but only because the passion that everyone gives is overflowing. You get sucked into it. It really is true that once you get bitten by the theatre bug, you’ll stay forever.
When I worked with him in ‘Rama Hari,’ where he played the title role, I was taken by his humility and authenticity. Vien is the perfect romantic lead—so giving to his leading lady, creating such palpable chemistry or ‘kilig.’ Vien will go a long way yet as more roles come his way.”
—Audie Gemora, artistic director, Trumpets
Your greatest challenge as a theater actor?
The hardest part was trying to fit in, knowing what to do, how to give respect, and work together on a show. It was a new industry I didn’t plan to be in. It all started when my handler told me I have the capacity to do this professionally. I was fortunate (and positively pressured) to be cast as the lead in a children’s musical. I’ve been joining shows since to get better in my craft.
Your greatest realization about yourself from doing theater?
For lack of a better word, my greatest realization is that I really am born for theater. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not about being perfect, being ready all the time, or being the best in everything. Art is never about that. Theater is beautifully spontaneous.
Also, when I’m studying a new show, “impostor syndrome” kicks in when I encounter a challenge. So, I work hard and pour my heart out 100%. With divine intervention, things fall into place.
