Pat Valera to Conduct Playwriting Workshop this February

Pat Valera to Conduct Playwriting Workshop this February

Pat Valera, the creator and playwright of musicals such as Mula sa Buwan, Bar Boys: A New Musical, Dekada ‘70 The Musical, and various plays, crafts his first workshop designed for aspiring playwrights, curious creatives, and theater enthusiasts through StageSpeak.

StageSpeak is an Introduction to Playwriting workshop organized by Local Parts, a newly launched ideas exchange hub that aims to expand conversations, foster learning, and broaden the access to the arts. Based in Metro Manila, it seeks to engage audiences through mixers, workshops, lectures and various knowledge-based events.

In this workshop, Valera will cover the fundamentals of theater—its history, philosophy, and collaborative nature—along with the art of theatrical storytelling. In six sessions, participants will explore the unique language of the stage, discover their “theatrical voice,” and gain a deeper understanding of the theater.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

LEVEL: BEGINNER/ REFRESHER COURSE
VENUE: SIKAT STUDIOS, Tomas Morato, Quezon CIty
DATE: Six days within FEB 24 to MAR 8, 2024, with a one-on-one consultation
FEE: PHP 15,000
REGISTRATION: bit.ly/stagespeakform  

PARTICIPANTS

This workshop is ideal for aspiring or early-stage playwrights and theater practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of text, and creatives curious about the theater.

This workshop is also designed for theater enthusiasts and fans who want to explore theater more deeply. Participants must be 18 years or older and proficient in both English and Filipino.

COURSE OUTPUT

As an introductory course, participants won’t be required to write a full play. Instead, they will start with an idea. Throughout the course, this idea will grow and develop through lectures and workshops. The goal is to expand and refine their concept, leading to a foundational guide or outline for a future play or musical.

At the end of the course, each participant will have a one-on-one consultation with Valera to discuss their idea and outline.

DAY 1: STORYTELLING
Explore the many ways to tell a story — and what makes the stage distinct.

DAY 2: MEANING-MAKING IN THEATER
How is meaning created in theater? Why does it start with text and evolve through collaboration?

DAY 3: CHARACTER
Explore how to develop dynamic, engaging characters that drive the action on stage

DAY 4: PLOT
The heart of drama is conflict. What are the structures to follow — and break?

DAY 5: BEGIN AGAIN
With your idea and outline in hand, what bold choices will move your work forward?

DAY 6: ROUND TABLE & GET-TOGETHER
Engage with industry practitioners and fellow students from both classes.

ONLINE CONSULTATION
A one-on-one session to discuss and refine their idea and outline.

THE LECTURER

Pat Valera (he/him) is a playwright, director, dramaturg, and producer for the stage. A two-time Palanca awardee, Valera has also received awards from Gawad Buhay Awards, Aliw Awards, and the Asian TV Awards. 

After spending more than a decade in advertising, he is now a full-time theater artist and a co-founder of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative. In recent years, his company has produced original Filipino works and an international musical, to critical acclaim and box office success. 

A teacher at heart, Valera is excited to share his knowledge and experience to the students of StageSpeak.