At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we often say that art changes lives. But what does that actually look like in practice? For Krod Sovannara, it looks like a journey that began with a first-grade dream and became a seat in a corporate boardroom.
Recently, Sovannara vividly recalled how theater reshaped his life—telling the story of how a young performer became a high-achieving academic and rising professional.
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The Spark: A Vision from the First Grade
Most seven-year-olds are focused on playing with friends, but following a recommendation from his teachers in an enrichment class, Sovannara stepped into a theater classroom for the first time. What followed wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling.
“At the time, I decided to study theater because I had a dream of becoming an actor,” he recalls. That childhood ambition led him to the gates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, a moment he describes as the ultimate turning point. “The first day I stepped into Phare was a door to a new world—one overflowing with art, opportunity, and personal growth. It opened my eyes to a community of people who shared my passion, pushing me to strive harder every single day.”
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The Hidden Curriculum: More Than Just Acting
While audiences only see the final performance, Sovannara explains that the true “magic” happens during the hours of rigorous training. In this sense, theater has served Sovanarra as valuable creative outlet.
“Theater didn’t just sharpen my acting skills; it truly transformed my character. Through training and performing on stage, I learned how to manage my emotions, speak with clarity, and present myself confidently in public. Most importantly, it nurtured my courage and self-assurance, teaching me to stay adaptable in any situation.”
Beyond personal growth, theater taught Sovanarra the keys to achieving professional success. He learned the art of active listening, empathy, and began to recognize the importance of respecting diverse opinions to achieve a shared goal. These are skills that are often missing in traditional classrooms but are essential in the modern workforce.
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The Myth of the “Distracted Artist”
There is a common misconception that pursuing the arts distracts from academic success. Sovannara’s life is a direct challenge to that myth. As a second-year student at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), he successfully balanced a grueling schedule of university studies, theater rehearsals, and volunteer work—all while maintaining a perfect ‘A’ grade.
This wasn’t luck; it was an extreme discipline. “I view theater as my passion—it’s what I love. On the other hand, I see my studies as my primary duty,” he says. To manage both, he became a master of time management, planning his weeks in advance and finishing all university assignments before ever stepping foot in a rehearsal hall. He communicated openly with his teachers, proving that a sense of responsibility and meticulous organization can make even the most “impossible” schedules manageable.
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From Stage Cues to Corporate Coordination
Today, Sovannara has successfully translated his artistic training into a professional role as a program coordinator at a private company. He finds that the “stage presence” he developed as a child is now his greatest professional asset.
In the boardroom, he uses the same tools he used under the spotlight:
- The confidence to speak boldly in front of leadership.
- The adaptability to solve complex problems effectively on the fly.
- The emotional intelligence to interact with people from all walks of life with empathy and positivity.
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A Foundation for the Future
Sovannara is quick to credit the holistic support he received at Phare for his current independence. By providing a safe environment, high-quality education, and even financial support for his family, the institution lifted the heavy burden of daily struggles, allowing him to focus entirely on his potential. He describes this support as the “bridge” that carried him toward a bright, stable future.
A Call to Action for Fellow Students
To the current students at Phare, Sovannara’s message is one of grit and hope:
“The opportunity you have today is incredibly valuable. Phare doesn’t just teach you artistic skills; it teaches you discipline, responsibility, and self-belief. The knowledge you are building every day will be the solid foundation for your future. Dare to try, dare to learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward. One day, you will realize that your efforts here were the most important turning point in your life.”
Sovannara’s story is a powerful reminder that when we invest in the arts, we aren’t just creating performers—we are cultivating the disciplined, confident, and visionary leaders Cambodia needs for a brighter future.
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Join our mission to keep theatre and performing arts alive in Battambang—support Phare and empower young talents to rise.
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