Child actors find happiness in theater

MANILA, Philippines - Trumpets recently wrapped up a successful run of the Filipino musical, The Bluebird of Happiness. A universal tale of an illuminating journey on the secret to happiness, its cast was led by two very young actors.

Thirteen-year-old Alessa Zialcita and 11-year-old Guido Gatmaytan, who played siblings Mytyl and Tytyl, respectively, have developed a deep passion for acting and singing, spend- ing most of their free time in theater. While other kids are more fascinated with gadgets and games, Guido found his happiness in his audience. “Kids nowadays keep playing with their iPads thinking that (those things) will make them happy... That’s what I felt ‘til I came here. The real reason why I joined the theater is because it’s fun to entertain people,” said Guido. The same is true for Alessa, “When I see the shows and I see everyone is smil- ing, it makes me feel happy. I really enjoy it.”

“It was a lot of hard work but I was able to pull it off even though I’m sick,” beamed a proud Guido on his debut in professional theater produc-tion. Before taking on the role, Guido was cast as Flounder in Trumpets Playshop’s showcase of The Little Mer- maid for its children musical theater. He has been a member of the Ateneo Boys Choir for four years straight and received the honor for Best New Per- former by Ateneo Children’s Theatre this year.

Despite her seven years as a child stage actor, however, Mytyl was Ales- sa’s first role for Trumpets. “When I found out that The Bluebird of Happiness was an original Filipino play I thought it was nice. It was different. Everything was being done for the first time. I liked the sets,” said Alessa.

“I really love to act. I am open to any role.”