Having been more active in theater more than TV and movies last year, actor Sam Concepcion brushes off the idea that he is just focusing on acting on stage at this point in his career.

PUSH ABS-CBN caught up with the 32-year-old actor recently where he shared, “Not at all. Sometimes I allow myself maybe one production in a year. Maybe just one. Doing two productions last year was maybe like my maximum. I juggled Once on This Island with 9 Works and One More Chance with PETA. But I’m actually going back to TV very soon. So they should watch out for that!”

Last year, Sam starred in two major musical productions where he played the lead roles of Daniel Beauxhomme in Once on This Island and Popoy in the stage adaptation of Star Cinema’s 2007 blockbuster film One More Chance, a role first made iconic by actor John Lloyd Cruz on the big screen. Sam admitted there is a special difference to acting in theater that he hasn’t experienced in other platforms.

“One thing, honestly, is the company. We go to rehearsals day in and day out everyday for two months. It’s like being and putting everyone inside one house and you see them everyday. The relationships you build, the camaraderie, all of that,” he explained.

Sam also dispelled the misconception that watching theater is just for the highbrow audience and not for the “masa.” With local theater companies like 9 Works Theatrical, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Trumpets, and Repertory Philippines continuing to come out with impressive productions, Sam believes the popularity of Philippine theater is on the upswing.

“Actually, I think theater is better than ever. I feel it’s reaching a lot more people. I think that’s the most important part of where it’s going right now is that a lot of people get to watch it and to show a lot of stories that people are interested in.“

In his last production, netizens noticed Sam flaunting a more buff physique on stage, which led to even some of his friends in showbiz commenting about his fitter image. But Sam downplays going through any killer workouts. He admitted he just tries to keep fit when possible. “Ideally, I just try to go as much as I can. Four or five days a week is best,” he admitted.