FROM THE DIRECTOR
Daniella Dimaguila
Into the Woods. Grease. Les Miserables. These are the plays that I really love and grew up watching. It always amazed me how the actors would be able to memorize all their lines, would be able to portray the character to the best of their abilities, and all-in-all make every single piece of the play work. Then I realized that the person who contributed to make of that all possible was the director, which is why I always wanted to have the opportunity to become one.
That is why I have always wanted to be part of play productions, may it be in school or outside, but I never got the opportunity to be part of any. I was never part of Teatro Paulino and I never had the guts to audition when they were holding one. That is why I really was not expecting to be the director of this play.
The New Dress is a story written by Virginia Woolf, she tells the story of girl named Mabel Waring and all of her insecurities and how she was able to surpass all the judgement and challenges that came her way. I hope that everyone that will watch will be able to relate to Mabel and understand why she reacts in the way she does. With this in mind I hope you enjoy what 9-6 has prepared for you. Again, enjoy the show!
FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Mariane Ylagan
Stepping down from the position of Director, I opted for the role of Assistant Director, but I understood that the role wasn't to be an accompaniment to the Director, it was to provide a different perspective to things for the improvement of the play. It was to handle other things more specifically and efficiently without sacrificing the actors' participation.
I, as an Assistant Director, worked hand-in-hand with every committee, delving deep and getting down and dirty. I think what makes me different from other supervisors or chain coordinators in this production, is that I preferred to work with the people instead of making the people work. I just think there’s something gratifying about helping a team achieve their goal rather than just approving of the goal in the first place.
Early on in the planning stage, it was decided that instead of having a play with one awkward song, we would be presenting a full fledged musical with at least 5 songs. Of course, many opposed because they knew that it would be extra work, but then sacrifices had to be made, which led to Daniella, Martha, and I making the lyrics for all the songs, with the consultation of the scriptwriters. The party song, ‘Oh, Mabel’ is quite close to my heart, because I wrote majority of it, and seeing it come to life as the composers place a tune to it was so exciting. It felt like all those daily consultations with our music teacher was worth it.
For Mabel’s dress, the design was heavily based off of SPCP Alumni Cor Sunglao-Kho’s interpretation of the dress from the short story. The slim fitted bodice was a popular trend during the 1800s because it allowed the women’s corseted waists to be visible, while the balloon skirt was inspired by the big ball gowns worn in fancy balls and galas. Because the design was taken from a French fashion book made during the time of the Empire, Mabel’s dress contrasted all the other guests, what with their straight cut fits and loose fringes.
The set that was designed and created relied heavily on furniture and household items, rather than classmate props. Our settings were set up that way so that there would be more fluidity in the movement of the actors, and so the audience can follow the actors in their story development. Our main goal was for the audience to completely feel like they were brought back in time to the 1920s, that’s why we didn’t just create the main table and chairs, we made sure to include the little things that make a house a home.
One of my personal projects though, was the making of the trailer. I conceptualized the plot and storyline, while putting into plan the supposed set that we had. With the given circumstance that filming outside of school grounds was prohibited, I felt so constricted and strained to practice my art, but I quickly understood that it was a challenge I needed in order to make the trailer more beautiful. Telling stories through photos and videos have always been a hobby of mine. It wasn’t about gaining views or recognition, it was about giving justice tot he story that was assigned to us, because the story itself deserves the credit it’s due. Seeing things through the little glass rectangle of my camera always gave me a different view of the situation, like I had control of it. In that moment, I had the power to make the audience see the way I see things, and that for me, is what makes a film director so important.
Enough about being technical here, I would like to offer special thanks to a few people.
First off, I would like to thank my mom for supporting me wholeheartedly throughout this entire process. Not once did she doubt my capabilities nor did she falter in giving me reassurances. She offered not only funds, but her personal time and efforts as well, what with her helping out with props and costume design as well.
Second, I would like to thank Ana Silos, our resident graphic artist, and the artist behind our wonderful playbill. Ana, I know you may hate me for that one project that started all of this, but believe me, you deserve all of this, you have so much potential in you, and I think the world deserves to witness it.
Third, I would like to thank my teachers, who have not stopped convincing me that it would be alright. For helping us in every step of the way, for resolving all of our petty issues, for making us grow throughout this process.
Fourth, the musicians and composers. God knows how hard it is to compose and somehow, you three have made 5 songs in a week. I know that I’m not one to express it, but I am so proud of you guys. Thank you for offering your extra time just to consult with teachers and students and for spending late nights just to get the recordings correct.
Fifth, to Eunice, I thank you so much because of your nonstop contribution especially in costume and makeup. I know that makeup is very expensive and honestly, I am so grateful that you’re willing to share it with the actors, again and agin because of our multiple photo shoots and video shoots.
Sixth, I would like to thank the actors for tolerating my need for excessive photo shoots and perfectionist videos. Thank you for listening to whatever input I may have and for putting them into action. Thank you for accepting me as one of your directors.
Seventh, thank you to the props team. My vision of the set has been fulfilled, thank to you guys. Thank you for the numerous props that you have provided and for continuously bringing more just to keep satisfying the image that we all have in our heads. Thank you for keeping up with the ever changing list of props and sets. Thank you for staying late almost always just to finish up painting or attaching things together.
Eight, thank you to the scriptwriters, for interpreting the story as well as you did. Thank you for giving us a great script to work with, we hope that we give it the justice that you have given the story. Mabel wouldn’t be here without you.
Ninth, Marketing and Documentation, thank you so much for our amazing promotional stunts and publicity material. Thank you for following through with every plan and for executing them well. Thank you for the successful daily spams. Thank you for making our play known to the outside world.
Tenth, to the Sound and Lights, I have so much respect for you. For being able to quickly change the music because of a minor misunderstanding, and for handling the lights with such efficiency. You set the mood for our musical, and you have done it so well.
Lastly, to all my classmates, thank you. thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me that chance to work with you for one last time in major class project. Thank you for recognising my abilities and for assuring me that I, in fact, can do it. Thank you, just thank you.
I've been part of theater productions for about 5 years now, but I have to give it to this class for making this (play) one of my favorites. For 5 years, this is the first time I was given the position of an "assistant director," but despite having the knowledge about the position, I could say it is totally different when you experience handling it. This position has given me so much challenges, from having to handle sleepless nights just to check one box out of the list, skipping lunch and dinner meals to accommodate all concerns regarding actors and rehearsals, and having to handle different kinds of attitudes from the people you are working with. But this I can proudly say, there was never a time that I have given up and complained about my work, because I know that EVERYONE ELSE has given their own share of time and there is no better way to give back than to do more, as well as working hard for the whole class will always be worth it.
To my dearest classmates, since the first term, we have been so hyped about dramafest. I am proud of all of you for everything you have achieved and done for the whole class. All the sacrifices, the drama (literally) and the hurdles we had to overcome were never easy, but you have made everyone and yourself proud for giving your very best and working very very hard to achieve what we have achieved now, for being brave and confident in facing all these challenges, and yes, what made it more challenging was overcoming it together. This production would never be successful without each and everyone's help. Whatever you have done, may it be big or small, it is still a big help for the class. I love you all very much and sadly saying, "yay" to our last class project.
This production entitled "The New Dress," a story written by Virgina Woolf is brought to you by Grade 9 Room 6. We have always considered ourselves as Mabels, sometimes being insecure about ourselves, not proud of what we are and yet throughout this production, we have reached the point of surpassing our Mabel stage and being confident about ourselves like "we're an utterly transformed person" now. We all hope you enjoy watching the show for it has been a product of unity, teamwork, happiness and love from the class. So take a seat, relax and enjoy the tea party!
FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Martha Almanzor
FROM THE STAGE MANAGER
Rachel Soliven
"PROGRESS! PROGRESS! PROGRESS!" Is the phrase that I'll never get tired of chanting. Besides being the stage manager, I am also the stage cheerleader. Though they are very noisy, my classmates deserved my progress chants for their hard work.
I have never thought that I would end up here. 'Stage Managed by Rachel Soliven' seemed hard to believe at first, but it's actually true! Not only that, but the fact that my classmates believed that I am responsible enough for the position of a stage manager, makes me really happy inside.
Of course, I owe it all to these people for their timeless efforts. I would like to thank my friends for always believing in my abilities. You guys have never given up on me even after I have given up on myself. To my stage managing crew, thank you for accepting the job, even though you knew that it'll be a tough one. For the actresses, thank you for being patient with me when I'd correct your lines and gestures, Rachel still loves you all. To the scriptwriters, thank you for putting your brilliant ideas to life! To all the committees, props, lights and sounds, marketing, musicians, hair and make-up, and documentation, thank you for doing your all and bearing with my annoying reminders and deadlines. Lastly, I would like to thank the director and assistant directors for working with me in this drama fest. Last shout for progress! PROGRESS! PROGRESS! PROGRESS! Our eye bags say it all.. We have dedicated our time and effort onto making this play. On behalf of Grade 9 Room 6, we present to you... The New Dress.