Written by Ganiel Krishnan
Mar 26, 2023
MANILA — ABS-CBN’s talent arm, Star Magic, has officially rebranded its long-running Star Magic Workshops into the Star Magic School for the Creative and Performing Arts, which offers a broader range of courses and is guided by some of the best and most credible mentors in the entertainment industry today.
The new school aims to nurture aspiring artists of all ages with multidisciplinary programs covering acting, singing, dancing, hosting, directing, and production, among others. From kids to adults, students can expect holistic training designed to unleash their full potential.
Among the exciting new offerings are:
Kids Acting with HB Benitez III
Teens and Adults Acting with Alecx Lorica and Marcel David
Theater Acting with Meann Espinosa
Character Building by veteran actor John Arcilla
Directing and Production for Non-Narrative Formats and Live Shows with Jon Moll
Music Video Production with Dale Recina, Kirby Balagtas, and Troy Bautista
Voice Lessons with Julie Anne Reyes and Luningning San Jose
A highlight of the curriculum is the PopShop Course, a training program for those who aspire to become total performers. It is led by a powerhouse team of mentors: Anna Graham and Jerwin Nicomedes for singing, and a stellar dance crew composed of Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera, Matthew Almodovar, Lean Mangrobang, Aennon Tabungar, Josh Junio, and Adam Alonzo.
During the media conference for the launch of the school, Mickey Perz, who also serves as the dance choreographer for Nation’s Girl Group BINI, shared his thoughts on cultivating talent: “What you have to understand is, fun is actually the key word. The moment you enjoy and don’t put yourself into a box and get frustrated, that is what’s going to drive you,” he said.
He also emphasized the value of consistency and effort, quoting his wife: “Excellence is not a choice. It is acquired every day.”
Meanwhile, Jon Moll, the director of It’s Showtime and BINI’s successful Biniverse concert, expressed his excitement about hands-on learning inside the ABS-CBN studios. “It’s like you’re a kid in a really big playground… we get to play around with all the toys that we see here in the studio,” he said, noting that students will get a feel of working in real production environments.
Raymund Dizon, ABS-CBN Business Unit Head, described the school as a “sanctuary of creativity.”
“Together with the parents, Star Magic School for the Creative and Performing Arts will be backed up by credible teachers who are experts in their fields and who have been trained internationally… This school will be a safe haven where potential is nurtured,” he said.
Registration is now open and students can join the on-site orientation happening on March 29, 30, April 5, and 6, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the 6th Floor, DTC Building, ABS-CBN.