Returning to the theater stage with Tiny Beautiful Things is a milestone moment for both the Philippine arts scene and one of its brightest talents. Regina De Vera, who gained widespread attention in 2015 for crowdfunding her way to Juilliard and later earning an MFA from the prestigious institution, is set to captivate audiences once again in The Sandbox Collective’s production. The play, adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s book, centers on Sugar, an anonymous advice columnist who navigates complex emotions through the letters she receives, weaving her personal battles with those of her readers to create a deeply moving narrative.
For Regina, the decision to participate in Tiny Beautiful Things was both personal and professional. “I was looking for material that challenged me and reinforced my love for language,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazone. Her choice was driven by a desire to support and collaborate with female directors in Metro Manila. “Working with and uplifting more female directors has become more of a priority over the years,” she adds. Having been a fan of Strayed’s work since 2012, Regina felt a deep connection to the source material. “I even remember listening to her podcast, ‘Dear Sugars,’ while doing my work-study duties at Juilliard,” she reminisces, highlighting how the opportunity to work under the direction of Jenny Jamora felt meant to be.
Returning to the Philippine theater scene with her enriched experience from Juilliard has been a transformative journey for Regina. She reflects, “For context, I left the Philippines to start my graduate acting training when I was 26 years old. When I returned, I was in my early 30s.” This return allowed her to see the changes within herself and among her peers. “Right before I left, my generation was the ‘emerging ones.’ Upon returning, I found many of us millennials holding positions of power that we once criticized,” she observes. This shift has reinforced a sense of responsibility in her. “I want to be one of those who are trying to make things better, instead of perpetuating outdated practices and mindsets,” Regina asserts, explaining her decision to expand into teaching and intimacy choreography.
Juilliard’s impact on her career cannot be understated. Regina reflects on how the rigorous training allowed her to rediscover her essence as an artist. “The gift of Juilliard was that all the training felt like it was peeling different layers off of me until I was able to return back to myself,” she shares. The early years of her career were marked by unbridled enthusiasm, which gradually waned due to the often harsh realities of the industry. “Juilliard gave me a safe space to return to the joy I embodied at the beginning of my journey,” she notes. This reconnection with her core passion for storytelling equipped her with the resilience to maintain that joy even in challenging situations.
The themes of Tiny Beautiful Things—love, loss, and the multifaceted nature of life—are close to Regina’s heart. “I first read the book when I was 23 years old. At that time, I felt quite lost,” she says, recalling how Strayed’s words resonated with her deeply. “I connected with the letter writers’ confusion, shame, and fears. I took comfort in Sugar’s compassion, eloquence, and multitudinous responses,” Regina explains. This personal connection has undoubtedly enriched her portrayal of a Letter Writer, bringing authenticity and depth to her performance.
Preparing for the role came with its own set of challenges. Regina had to learn not only her part as a Letter Writer but also prepare as an understudy for Sugar. “I basically needed to learn 80% of the words of the entire play,” she shares. Early and consistent rehearsals, starting from June 2024, allowed her to master the script and be fully off-book by October. “I then had time to reread Cheryl Strayed’s autobiography, ‘Wild,’ and the book version of Tiny Beautiful Things,” she adds, demonstrating her commitment to fully understanding the material.
For aspiring actors and actresses hoping to make their mark in the Philippine theater industry, Regina’s advice is grounded in her experiences. “Commit yourself to training and be very picky with the teachers and institutions to whom you entrust your training to,” she advises, emphasizing that the right mentors can significantly shape one’s career. She also stresses the importance of knowing one’s values and seeking out collaborators who align with those values. Finally, Regina highlights the importance of balancing artistic integrity with kindness. “Find a way to merge your intentions of creating a very high quality of storytelling while being a decent human being to your collaborators even in moments of distress,” she concludes.
