The Swatantra Theatre Group members

BITTEN BY THE ACTING BUG

WHAT'S ON tells you about a theatre workshop where kids can learn acting as well as develop their confidence

It's a tough, competitive world for kids where they are pressurised to score 90% in exams, get that "all-rounder" certificate, win the first prize in sports and so on. In this rat-race, children lose their sense of wonder. But there's hope in the form of a quick crash-course in acting.

Swatantra Theatre, the only Hindi theatre group in the city, has organised an acting workshop for kids, from the age group of 6 to 15 years and above.

Abhijeet Chowdhary, founder of the group, claims that this acting training can actually increase confidence and dedication levels of kids. Abhijeet, along with members Rakesh Shah and Dhanashree Heblikar will conduct the 25-day training programme. For the last 14 months, Abhijeet has been organising similar workshops and has trained more than 40 kids.

What is the workshop all about?

The workshop focuses on voice modulation and the attitude of the kids. It starts with simple exercises
including voice and tongue exercises (which help during dialogue delivery), maintaining voice modulation, writing short stories, screen plays, scripting, presenting ideas and enacting different kinds of emotions.

Giving an example, Abhijeet says, "We ask the kids to take five rounds of the garden and then come back running and shout out to their mother, 'Mummy, pani do'. Different kids present the same emotion in different manners; some say it quickly while some say it in a tired tone."

An important aspect of the workshop is bringing back enthusiasm in children. He says, "After the workshop, kids have started taking their studies and extra-curricular activities more seriously. Their attitude towards life has also changed; there are children, who have become extroverts and more cheerful."

At the completion of the workshop, the children present a play.u00a0

History of the theatre Swatantra Theatre is the brainchild of Abhijeet Chowdhary and has been in action, for the last three years. It has more 20 permanent members, including IT and management professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. The motto of the group is not only to improve acting skills but also to help people unwind and de-stress. Abhijeet adds, "We have so many people here, who had come initially to enrol their children for the kids'u00a0 workshop, but they were so impressed that they themselves have joined us."u00a0u00a0

At: Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya, Boys Assembly Hall, next to BMCC, Agarkar Road. Call: 9923643335. Fees: Rs 4,000. Timings: From 5pm to7pm (for kids aged 6 to 15 years) and 7 pm to 9 pm (for kids above 15 years).

The Swatantra Theatre Group members