History of Teatro Tomasino

The foremost and only recognized university-wide theater guild of the University of Santo Tomas first saw light on the 17th day of September 1977, when 25 students of the university established the name Teatro Tomasino under Prof. Myrna Hilario and Prof. Piedad Guinto.

 

Formal workshops started on April 2, 1977 after which the curtains opened for the first time with the performance of Orlando Nadres’ And Awit na Hindi Matapos-tapos under the direction of Maryo J. Delos Reyes.

 

On its 39 years of existence, Teatro Tomasino has produced of various personalities such as John “Sweet” Lapus, Erick Salud, Don Cuaresma, Arnold Clavio, Roxy Liquigan, Jose Victor Torres, Malou Crisologo, even the late Wenn Deramas and still continues to produce various media and theater practitioners equipped with the discipline and knowledge of a Thespian.

 

On its recent years it has produced different productions such as “Dos Por Dos” — a twin bill production directed by ABS-CBN director Erick Salud. Dos Por Dos features two Palanca winners: Joe Cool Aplikante by Joshua Lim So and Our Lady Of Arlegui by Chris Martinez; and “Tagumpay at Trahedya” directed by Palanca Award-winning playwright Jose Victor Z. Torres. Just last year did Teatro Tomasino showcased the stage adaptation of Eljay Castro Deldoc’s hit novel of Ricky Lee, “Para Kay B”. The production directed by Teatro Tomasino’s alumnus, Arch. Carlos A. Buendia, made a mark not only to the Thomasian Community but also to the avid fans of Ricky Lee and his works.

 

At present, Teatro Tomasino continues to produce high-quality theater productions to contribute to the development of Philippine Theater especially to the Students of UST.