How Sab Jose Gregorio Balances Theater Leadership and Motherhood (And What Parents Can Learn From It)

Sab Jose Gregorio would be the first to describe it as nothing short of a “baptism of fire,” since it was announced last year that she’ll be taking over as artistic director of Sandbox Collective while Toff de Venecia, who led the company, is on a study break.

“I’ve been a partner in the company for almost 12 years, but I still learned on the job,” she said. “Transitioning to the artistic director position felt like building a plane as we were already flying. It’s been a challenging, transformative, and empowering experience. I’m proud of the team I’ve assembled, and I can’t wait for people to see what we have in store.”

Early this year, the company  opened its season with the return of Spring Awakening, a coming-of-age musical that continues to resonate with audiences today. The production runs at the Blackbox Theater at the Proscenium Theater until March 22.

Why open a season with Spring Awakening?

With countless productions to choose from, Sab decided to begin her tenure with Spring Awakening—a bold move that reflects both her creative vision and advocacy.

“Spring Awakening was a bold and deliberate choice to speak to audiences of today and tomorrow,” she says. “There’s an emerging market of younger people coming to the theater, and I wanted to take that opportunity to drive some of our advocacy initiatives, particularly for mental health, suicide prevention, and sex education.”

As a parent herself, Sab understands why these conversations can feel uncomfortable. But she also believes they are necessary.

“The best way to protect children today is to educate them and help them navigate the influx of information they already get online,” she says. “I actually encourage parents to watch the show with their teenage children, if only to encourage open conversations surrounding these difficult but timely topics.”

Although the story is set in the 1890s, its themes remain strikingly relevant today.

“From teenage suicide and teenage pregnancy to abuse and the pervading loneliness of youth—especially in the digital age—we must arm children with education and support,” Sab explains. “We also have to do our best to bridge the gap between generations.”

Parenting lessons from the theater stage

As the production approaches its final performances on March 22, Sab hopes audiences—especially parents and teens—leave the theater feeling empowered.

“Coming of age is such a delicate time and experience,” she says. “I want to encourage more honest and open conversations—between parents and children, between friends, and between generations.”

Rather than shying away from the show’s difficult themes, Sab hopes families will face them together.

“I don’t want to shy away from the issues the show raises,” she adds. “I want people to face them head-on and continue these conversations beyond the theatrical space.”

To support this mission, Sandbox Collective partnered with several NGOs, including doctors, psychiatrists, and advocates who help deepen the discussion surrounding the show’s themes.

Balancing motherhood without a helper

When she’s not immersed in theater work, Sab is busy with another important role—being mom to her two children, son Ignacio and daughter Alba.

She describes motherhood simply as “chaos—but beautiful chaos nonetheless.”

“My husband and I have no helpers or yaya, by choice. It’s just us and the kids,” she shares.

Sab and her husband James work as a team to balance parenting and their careers.

“I treasure the time I have with my kids, especially now that my time is divided between work and family life,” she says. “We take turns with the kids. When he’s at the office, I have them with me. When I have rehearsals or shows in the evening, he takes over.”

It’s a setup that requires constant coordination.

“It involves a lot of calendaring, scheduling, and adjusting,” she laughs. “But we’ve made it work through teamwork and sheer willpower.”

Still, Sab admits the balancing act isn’t always easy.

“I’m not going to lie—it’s been really challenging. There are days when I feel like I’m failing,” she says honestly. “But I’m doing my very best to balance motherhood with my career. I really wouldn’t have been able to pursue this craft if not for my husband’s constant support and partnership.”

Managing a career shift from acting to directing

For now, Sab has stepped back from acting to focus on running Sandbox Collective.

But one production will always hold a special place in her heart: Lungs.

“Not so much because I won an award for it,” she laughs, “but because it really stretched me as an actress. It was the kind of script that made me say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat.”

The play also resonated deeply with her as a woman.

“It was such a gift bringing that role to life while keeping in mind the women who navigate the complexities of modern womanhood.”

How theater leaders recharge and avoid burnout

Between theater and parenting, finding time for herself can be a challenge.

Sab admits she’s not the best at slowing down—something her friends are quick to remind her about.

“My friends have even staged ‘friend-terventions’ just to get me to unwind,” she laughs.

These days, she tries to squeeze in Barre3 classes whenever she can and finds comfort in singing as a way to decompress.

Should you encourage your child to try theater?

Having experienced theater both onstage and behind the scenes, Sab believes deeply in its power to shape perspectives.

But when it comes to her own children, she’s taking a gentle approach.

“My kids are growing up pretty exposed to theater and they’ve shown some interest in performing,” she says. “They both love singing, but I’m just letting nature take its course. I’ll expose them but not push them.”

Her children are also athletic like their dad, she adds with a smile.

For parents whose children are interested in performing arts, Sab encourages them to nurture that curiosity early on.

“Watch plays and musicals together. Enroll them in workshops and classes. Nurture the gift and see where it goes,” she says. “Have open discussions about the future if it’s something they truly want to pursue.”

And for those who think it might be too late to try theater?

Sab has a simple reminder.

“I always encourage people to keep learning, to keep discovering and pushing themselves,” she says. “Theater is a wonderful place to learn about yourself and the world—and to help transform audiences.”

Sab Jose Gregorio photos courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/Loreta Arroyo