TeatroTayo, the Resident Contemporary Theater Collective of West Visayas State University, is a dynamic training ground for student-artists in performance, music, stage direction, scenography, and technical production. Committed to creating interdisciplinary, research-based works rooted in Filipino Culture and responsive to societal issues, TeatroTayo produces accessible, socially relevant performances that range from cultural and educational to experimental.

It upholds a culture of excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity by welcoming members across the university through merit-based auditions and volunteer engagements. Through continuous reflection on its artistic and organizational practices, TeatroTayo fosters a creative environment grounded in diversity, ethics of care, and the belief that theater should serve the people within and beyond the WVSU community.

Mission

TeatroTayo commits to nurture voices and create research-based works that push boundaries, foster inclusivity, and highlight Philippine expressive culture and the arts.

Vision

TeatroTayo as a leading interdisciplinary theater company in the region advocating for stories from the ground up- by the people and for the people- #TeatroTayoparasatanan.

With this vision, TeatroTayo has produced a diverse range of productions that address cultural, educational, and social themes with clarity and purpose. Each work is developed through rigorous research and collaborative artistry, ensuring that every performance reflects the collective’s commitment to cultural integrity, social relevance, and professional excellence.

Luuk Banca

A one-act musical about Azman, a young Badjao who leaves his home in Tawi-Tawi for Iloilo City in search of livelihood and belonging. Carrying his people’s traditions, songs, and stories, he is met not with understanding but with prejudice. In navigating this new world, Azman must choose between survival and staying true to his heritage.

Pagtahi sang Damgo

Set against the rich backdrop of Panay Bukidnon culture in Calinog, it highlights the traditional art of tinubok while confronting the tensions between the indigenous tumandok community and the Jalaur River Mega Dam project.

Bayan Bayanihan - Letters from Home

Directed by world-renowned theater artist Dr. Anton M. Juan Jr. and brought to life by TeatroTayo, the resident theater collective of the WVSU College of PESCAR, in collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and alumni of West Visayas State University, this production invites you into a European boarding house where the joys, struggles, and sacrifices of Overseas Filipino Workers—our modern-day heroes—unfold. Their intertwined stories will move you to laughter, tears, and reflection, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience and heart of the Filipino spirit. This musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed work by the late playwright Bienvenido Noriega Jr. is a powerful and timely tribute to every Filipino family.

As it continues to grow, TeatroTayo remains steadfast in its mission to nurture artists, engage audiences, and create works that reflect the realities, aspirations, and values of the community it serves. Guided by its commitment to cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and social responsibility, the collective strives to be a vital force in shaping a theater that is relevant, inclusive, and transformative—within West Visayas State University and beyond.