Budding actors and enthusiasts can hone their acting skills at an immersive workshop, conducted by an FTII alumnus, based on the philosophy of Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen
Actors participate in a group improvisation workshop
Acting is an art that needs to be practised and honed from time to time. Manas Gupta, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumnus, firmly believes in the acting philosophies of American actors and acting mentors, Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen. Using the skills that he picked from the FTII, Gupta is conducting a 13-day acting workshop called Anatomy of a Scene, starting on June 1.
A game centred on creating imaginary spaces. Pics courtesy/Manas Gupta
Gupta shares about the idea behind this first-time workshop, “I believe in what Sanford Meisner said, that ‘acting is doing’ and ‘acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’” This idea forms the foundation of my approach. In our workshops, we draw deeply from the Meisner technique, particularly his focus on moment-to-moment work and following one’s impulse. When you’re relaxed, focused, and genuinely listening to your partner, your reactions become real. You’re not acting in the conventional sense; you’re simply being under the given circumstances.”
Apart from Meisner’s work, Gupta will also reference Uta Hagen’s technique, especially her Nine Questions, to help actors understand their characters and scenes on a deeper level (*see box). The workshop focuses on foundational acting tools like presence, listening, and impulse work, combined with structured scene analysis using techniques from Meisner and Hagen.
Manas Gupta
Gupta credits his alma mater for his skill set, “At FTII, I had the privilege of learning under teachers like Mr Benjamin Gilani and Mr Naseeruddin Shah. The exercises I was trained in, like action problems, imagination-based work, and many others, formed a strong foundation for my practice. These weren’t just techniques but ways of experiencing the scene, the character, and the craft.”
The 29-year-old has been teaching acting for one and a half years. His workshops include non-text exercises to build instincts, script breakdown to understand character and relationships, and practical scene rehearsals culminating in on-camera performances. “This layered approach helps actors develop both the internal understanding and external skills needed for truthful, dynamic acting,” he believes.
Gupta is hopeful that by the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to approach a scene with confidence and clarity. “They’ll learn to trust their instincts, stay present in the moment, and connect truthfully with their scene partners,” he signs off.
ON June 1 to 13; 11 am to 2 pm
AT Abyaas Manch, first floor, Plot No. 131, Glows, Part 1, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri West.
LOG ON TO district.in (limited spots available)
CALL 8652722682
ENTRY Rs 9000
Uta Hagen’s nine questions
1. Who am I?
2. What time is it?
3. Where am I?
4. What surrounds me?
5. What are the given circumstances?
6. What are my relationships?
7. What do I want?
8. What is in my way?
9. What do I do to get what I want?
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