'Theatre Workshops should develop the love for theatre' - Ruchika Chanana

Ruchika Chanana shares some pointers with Puja Goyal on what to look out for in a workshop.

(c) 2007 Puja Goyal

There has been an increase in the number of theatre workshops conducted in Bangalore. Everybody who is anybody is holding a workshop nowadays. While some are high priced; the others are free. Even then, time is money; and the time spent should be reimbursed with some satisfaction. Ruchika Chanana is a well-known theatre personality in Bangalore, who has conducted many theatre workshops for children and adults in the past. She in collaboration with ART conducted a workshop for children recently.

The following is an excerpt from an interview:

What could be the reasons for an upsurge of workshops in Bangalore?
I think it is possibly because more theatre artists are moving into Bangalore; also because this is a lucrative way of making money.

What about the credentials of the conductor?
Anyone who conducts a workshop should have some experience. Age does not matter. You could be eighteen and yet hold a fantastic workshop. It is not necessary to go in with established people. A person could have been extensively involved in theatre in another city and not be known in Bangalore.

What should a participant expect from a workshop?
It is important to know the background of the conductor. You will obviously not hand over your child to some amateur who doesn't know what he is talking about. Some experience helps in establishing credentials and earlier workshops reaffirms it. Nowadays you can even Google them for information.

What kind of questions should a participant ask?
It is important for the participant to know what he wants, and match your needs to what the workshop offers. As far as the length of the workshop is concerned; it could be a two day workshop or two weeks. A two week workshop always offers more. You also need to realize that theatre workshops give you the tools and a perspective on theatre; it is not there to make a Sharukh Khan out of you… (Unless of course the workshop promises that).

Most Corporate Trainers have been promoting their workshops as theatre workshops…
Most corporate trainers use a lot of theatre techniques because theatre helps develop skills and gain confidence to learn more about you. You should ensure that you are getting into an intensive theatre course if you are looking at theatre professionally instead of just joining a personality development program.

What should one expect when the workshop is over?
There are two things; One: know what you want and what the workshop offers. Two: the workshop should deliver what it offers. Most importantly, the workshop should leave you feeling positive and confident; it should develop the love for theatre within you.

How are our theatre workshops different from foreign ones?
Theatre workshops all over the world are the same. I attended few workshops abroad and I realized that the only difference is the method in which a workshop is conducted. What makes a workshop unique is the conductor's style. Also, people abroad are very imaginative; I'm not saying there aren't here… obviously there is talent here.

How much do you think should a participant pay for an average workshop?
Workshops should never be free simply because you are imparting education. The enrollment costs depend on what is on offer to the participant. Obviously a lot of experience in conducting workshops and staging plays will provide more input to a workshop and hence have more to offer. It is also dependent on the equipment you hire for training. If large stages and lights etc, are hired and a lot of expenses are incurred then the costs will rise up and the charges will be more. We also have to take time into consideration… a two day workshop will cost less than a two week workshop.