EXCLUSIVE: Yen Santos learns new kind of discipline for theater debut in ‘The Art of Breaking Up’

After spending much of her acting career in front of the camera, Yen Santos is stepping into an entirely different performing space as she prepares for her theater debut in The Art of Breaking Up. 

Set to play Gab in the upcoming production, Yen admitted to PUSH ABS-CBN that she never imagined herself performing onstage. But an unexpected opportunity, along with encouragement from a friend, eventually led her to audition for the play and discover a new side of her craft. 

“Hindi ko talaga na-imagine ‘yung sarili ko na magte-teatro ako,” she said, explaining that she used to associate theater mainly with musicals. It was only recently that she learned more about the different forms of stage productions and the opportunities they offer actors. 

Yen recalled how she initially turned down the idea of joining theater when a friend first encouraged her to give it a try. That changed when she learned that The Art of Breaking Up was holding auditions. With another friend’s encouragement, she decided to take the opportunity, not knowing which character she might eventually portray. 

She was later offered the role of Gab, a development that left her thrilled. 

“I’m so happy,” she exclaimed. 

Yen’s interest in theater also grew through her friend Anna Luna, who plays Kat in the production and has long been involved in stage acting. Having seen Anna’s work, Yen developed a deeper appreciation for what goes into performing live. 

“Grabe ‘yung respeto ko sa mga nagte-teatro. Grabe ‘yung disiplina nila. Grabe ‘yung ibinibigay nilang oras para sa ganitong [craft].” 

Now that she is experiencing the process herself, Yen is discovering just how much preparation and presence a live performance demands.  

“Dito wala kang take two. Kailangan maging present ka mula umpisa hanggang matapos ‘yung show. ‘Yun yung isang natututunan ko dito sa theater kasi iba talaga ‘yung energy and discipline dito,” Yen realized.  

“Marami ka kasing kailangang tandaan dito sa teatro eh. Kailangan alam mo kung kailan ‘yung cue, timing, movements, [and] characterization ng lines. Pero alam kong lahat ng challenges na meron dito sa theater, sobrang ine-embrace ko lahat kasi ang sarap niya sa feeling.” 

For an actress who has already spent years in the entertainment industry, the experience has given her the chance to become a student again, taking on a craft that requires a different set of skills. 

“Bagong territory ‘yung theater sa akin. Ang dami kong natututunan,” she maintained.  

Yen also credits her fellow cast members for making the learning experience even more meaningful. The production brings together seasoned theater performers, television and film actors, and emerging talents, many of whom she will be working with for the first time. 

The cast features Teroy Guzman and Carlos Siguion-Reyna as Ben; Roselyn Perez and Bibeth Orteza as Anita; Jake Cuenca and Jameson Blake as Dino; Janella Salvador and Nikki Valdez as Lou; AJ Sison and Brent Manalo as Jake; Anna Luna as Kat; Jel Tarun as Hector; Analain Salvador as Ina; Jude Hinumdum as Erwin; Yesh Burce as Carla; Dingdong Bahan as Ferdz; Kolette Madelo and Jarren Garcia as featured vocalists; and Meann Espinosa as Everyman. 

Theatergoers can catch The Art of Breaking Up at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from November 6 to December 6, 2026, with tickets available through TicketWorld.

The production is a collaboration between ABS-CBN Teatro Kapamilya and PETA.