Here's why you should sign up for this acting workshop by FTII in Mumbai this June

A participant reads a scene. Pics courtesy/Rajesh Bhatia

As interest in short-term creative learning programmes continues to grow, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is introducing its basic course in acting for aspiring actors in Mumbai under its Centre for Open Learning initiative. Organised in collaboration with SVKM's Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Arts, Science and Commerce, the week-long workshop will be held from June 8 to 15 at the college's Vile Parle West campus. Only 25 seats are open for participants.

Led by actor Vineet Kumar, the programme aims to introduce participants to the fundamentals of acting through voice training, body movement, character building and scene work. But Kumar believes acting classes offer much more than preparation for film or theatre careers.

Rajesh Bhatia

"If we teach acting, it does not mean that you become an actor," Kumar says. "By teaching acting, you develop your personality. You understand discipline, honesty, sincerity, commitment and truthfulness.

These aspects make you a complete human being." Drawing from concepts rooted in the Natyashastra, Kumar explained that acting begins with understanding the connection between the body, voice and surroundings. "If there is a body, there will be sound. When body and voice find equilibrium, then comes everything around you - costume, makeup, props. After these three, the soul of the character is born," he says. Though Kumar avoids rigid labels such as "method acting". "Whatever you do, that is the method," he added. "We cannot call one method right or wrong.

Vineet Kumar

Rajesh Bhatia, local coordinator for the programme, adds the workshop was organised after students at the college expressed interest in formal acting training. "FTII is not looking at this as a market. It is about imparting quality education at an affordable cost," he says.

Open to participants beyond Mumbai, the workshop reflects FTII's effort to make professional arts education more accessible.

ON June 8 to June 15, 10.30 am to 4 pm
AT SVKM's Usha Pravin Gandhi College, Vile Parle.
LOG ON TO ftii.ac.in
CALL 4233 2071
Cost Rs 12000 (other students) Rs 9000 (UPG students)