On the roster of The Foundation Room, a Bandra-based training and performing arts centre, was a workshop by theatre veteran Makarand Deshpande. When the lockdown began, they chose to take these month-long sessions online. With a form like theatre where physicality takes precedence, you'd wonder how beginners and professional training modules will adapt. While Deshpande admits it's a challenge, he is as excited as he would be for regular sessions. "For any performing arts, you need people in the picture. There is a difference between asking someone to do a theatre exercise as opposed to doing it with them," he says.

However, with time, Deshpande has devised a plan. The beginners' workshop, he tells us, will focus on activating the senses, discovering the strengths a person comes with. "S/he has to know her/himself first. It's one thing to want to be an actor, but quite another to know what kind," says Deshpande, revealing that observation and memory exercises will form a part of these modules. As for the advanced sessions, those with any acting experience can apply and the course will focus on existing weaknesses and how to navigate different forms and genres. "What is comic acting? What does it take to have comic timing? And who defines it? These are some of the questions that will be raised," Deshpande shares. "Besides, it is important for an actor to understand what they can do to make an impact. For instance, Irrfan Khan knew it was his eyes," he elaborates.