For some time now I have been seriously concerned about young people who wish to get involved with the theatre. As the Editor of a theatre website based in Mumbai, I have been receiving mails from people who want to know which theatre workshop they can attend. Young people with whom I have had an occasion to interact with are excited and want to know if a theatre workshop will help them. At all times publicized theatre workshops seem to be the only medium available to them.

To my mind, theatre workshops that boast of a whole range of skills to be achieved in a limited period of time are grossly overrated. I have seen the outcome of a couple of such theatre workshops and they have left much to be desired. A prevailing spirit of bonhomie deadens all critical instincts.

The following is therefore a quick guide for newcomers interested in following a vocation in the theatre. Quick as it may be to read, its tenets may not be as easy to follow. And while there is scope for adding extra points, there is certainly none for subtracting them. So do consider this guide for what it is worth before you decide to blow off a thousand odd rupees on some theatre workshop that has lured you with its heavy-duty theatre jargon. In short, get going and get real.

· Participate in inter-college and other youth theatre competitions.

· See a lot of plays by different groups.

· Select a group you would like to work with. Whatever your reasons maybe for selecting a group, don't end up being caught in a rut.

· Importantly, select a group that is known for experimentation and innovation.

· Most theatre groups in the city are open to backstage help but be patient.

· Working backstage teaches a lot about the theatre.

· Some theatre groups pay novices, some don't. It would not be a bad idea to be paid for your work, petty as the amount may be. But don't expect it and don't let it come in the way of your learning.

· The omnipresent cup of cutting chai will be around as will be one form of snack or the other. In short, you won't starve. And if you are, complain. For once you will be justified in your demand.

· Tell the group director what your interest is. Be careful before you say the word, 'actor.'

· Everybody who joins the theatre wants to be an actor. But theatre is not only about acting. That should be lesson no. 1 for you.

· If you still think that you are Robert De Niro or the like waiting to be discovered, gather your courage and go get yourself tested by a guy called Satyadev Dubey. He can be found easily at Prithvi theatre in Mumbai.

· For those with more humility and other artistic talents, welcome to the world of theatre were multiple arts merge in the hope of creating a perfect universe.

· If the above sounds absurdly poetic, it is the truth.

· Theatre across the world is not an easy profession to make money from. So you have to be a little mad to be doing it but being a little mad has never done much harm to anyone. In fact history proves that it has done a whole lot of good.

· I repeat. You better be mad because otherwise you can be disillusioned.
· You must build on another profession that takes care of your madness. But please don't sacrifice theatre itself for that. What I mean is that theatre is not telly-soap.

· Can I add the sane words- 'committed' and 'dedicated' to go along with the insane word?

· Theatre workshops are good to attend when you already have a degree of experience in the field. Even then do your research to know your money's worth.

· Workshops that pack in a whole lot of theatre gibberish such as 'movement, stagecraft, attention exercises' and the likes should be avoided especially if you are seriously interested in understanding the field better.

· Workshops that make claims such as boosting confidence should be avoided at all costs.

· Should you have been able to walk this less traveled road to the opening night of a play you have worked hard for, pat yourself and say congratulations. You deserve it.

· And since you have truly deserved it, it is quite likely that others will recognize your efforts too.

· By this time, you will probably also have realized your strengths, your weaknesses, the skills and talent you possess.

· So if you are not meant to be an actor, don't moan. Our stage can do with fewer narcissist people parading themselves.

· Congratulate yourself once more for being true to yourself.

· After having realized your limitations you can be an actor if it gives you a buzz. No harm in that but follow the vocation that you are good at.

· A combination of talent, interest and dedication will take you a long way.

· But remember don't do theatre for money. If money follows, consider yourself lucky. At the same time be wise. Get your deserved share of the winnings whenever possible.

· As you progress, let theatre constantly challenge you. Don't get comfortable with what you have achieved and don't indulge in the new for the sake that it is new. Either extreme should be avoided.

Some other important tips that will help you along the way forever:

· READ widely but discriminate. Set standards for yourself but be eclectic in your choice.

· The same goes for whatever cultural experience that you may partake of.

· Observe life around you.

· Introspect.

· Take criticism in your stride.

· Take a deep breath and let the curtain rise.


*The above feature has been written by Deepa Punjani, Editor-www.MumbaiTheatreGuide.com, theatre critic and academic keenly interested in Theatre and Performance Studies.