The Sandbox Collective to stage rock musical 'Spring Awakening' in 2026

The Sandbox Collective is ushering in a new season — and a new chapter in its history — with the staging of "Spring Awakening," the Tony Award-winning rock musical that has left audiences across the globe spellbound with its raw energy and fearless storytelling.

Set to open in February 2026, the musical will mark not only the company’s first production of the year but also the debut slate under incoming artistic director Sab Jose-Gregorio, after co-founding artistic director, Toff De Venecia went on a temporary hiatus to pursue postgraduate studies in London.

Adding to the excitement, "Spring Awakening" will inaugurate The Sandbox Collective’s new home, The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center, Makati City.

“'Spring Awakening' marks the beginning of a new chapter here at Sandbox. While it honors the journey we’ve had in the last decade – the coming of age and constant rediscovery – it also marks a deliberate choice to continue producing shows that are radical, brave, and advocacy-driven. This show isn’t just about adolescence and sexuality. It’s about reclaiming one’s body, voice and destiny and most of all, educating and empowering young audiences," Jose said.

The production, directed by Andrei Pamintuan, brings together a powerhouse artistic team. Pamintuan, a Gawad Buhay nominee known for Lungs, Sa Wakas, and Fringe Manila, will be joined by acclaimed musical director Ejay Yatco (Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors). 

Choreography will be led by Nunoy Revlon, with Missy Maramaraserving as intimacy director—a vital role in a show that explores the vulnerabilities of youth. The creative ensemble also includes Wika Nadera (set design), Raven Ong (costume design), Gabbi Campomanes (assistant director and dramaturg), and D Cortezano (lighting design).

With book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy-nominated Duncan Sheik, "Spring Awakening" is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 19th-century play. 

The story follows German teenagers grappling with their sexual awakening amid the constraints of conservative society, where silence and repression dominate parental and institutional authority.

The musical’s score, infused with contemporary alternative rock, amplifies the characters’ frustrations and passion, bridging the gap between 19th-century dilemmas and the timeless struggles of modern youth.

First staged on Broadway in 2006, the show earned critical acclaim and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Today, nearly two decades later, its themes of self-discovery, repression, and the pursuit of freedom remain strikingly relevant.

Auditions

In the spirit of inclusivity, The Sandbox Collective has announced open auditions for Spring Awakening on August 31 and September 1, 2025. Interested performers may access the audition guide and registration details at the website. — LA, GMA Integrated News