These recent times have been some of the hardest challenges we've faced and as a community, it hit us pretty hard. However during these difficult times, here at Pocket Size Theatre, we wanted to spread a little positivity and share some peoples experiences because we are all in this together. Each day we'll be speaking to our friends in the industry to share their experiences with you all so take a read and see how people are getting through these hard times.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
Joreen Bautista made her theatre debut in Miss Saigon on the UK and Ireland tour. She was the alternate to the role of Kim in the touring production of the London revival.
Let's stick together, share the love and get through this as a community!
*Some information mentioned in this article may be out of date due to the progress of the current situation. Please keep that in mind when reading*
Joreen Bautista made her theatre debut in Miss Saigon on the UK and Ireland tour. She was the alternate to the role of Kim in the touring production of the London revival.
On Monday 16th March 2020, The Society of London Theatre announced the closure of all Theatres in London. This followed suit with regional venues. Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?
I have taken a break from performing in musical theatre for quite a bit now. Ever since I’ve resumed studying back home in the Philippines and started uni in August 2019, I decided to align my focus on that for the time being. That being said, I do keep in touch with my actor friends in the UK and I keep myself updated with what is happening from across the pond. It obviously was heartbreaking for me to hear about the closure of Theatres in London; I was still very much looking forward to coming back at one point. As for my friends in the industry, I did not hear the best news from them - unemployment sort of abruptly took over. But what I admire most is the strength everybody has been developing in dealing with this situation, and the understanding each artist displays for one another.
Can you tell us anything productive you’ve been doing?
I used to barely post covers for someone who loves filming herself singing. But recently during the lockdown, I have been doing quite a lot of that and I never thought it would supply this much fulfilment seeing people enjoy what I do online. Having absolutely no means of going out also got me learning new pieces on the piano, learning new recipes (I hardly ever cooked before), learning more German, acquainting myself with Adobe Photoshop, reading, and working out - I used to dream of actually having the time and willpower to do all that and more, and now it’s here!
