Paradip, Feb. 26: A monthlong theatre workshop that recently started in Paradip has turned out to be a congenial platform for upcoming artistes to harness their inherent skill.

The workshop is focussing on ventures to project basic approach to various schools of acting, design, direction, management and play writing.

Giving insight into many aspects of theatre — creating a story, writing dialogues and songs, basics of acting, body language, stage management, voice modulation, eye contact and dialogue delivery, the workshop aimed to enhance skills of the participants in observation, imagination and presentation, said one of the organisers.

“The monthlong workshop is being organised by the Canmass, a Paradip-based socio-cultural organisation, with the support of the Sangeet Natak Akademy, New Delhi. It is for the first time that the port township is hosting such an event. It has aroused immense interest in amateur theatre artistes,” said secretary of the Canmass Sriman Mishra.

Apart from learning acting skills, participants are being given a comprehensive knowledge regarding everything related to theatre, be it stage decoration, light arrangements to essential ingredients of script and dialogue.

“It’s a lively and exciting experience. I was an amateur stage artiste. There was none to sharpen up and bring perfection to my skill. The workshop has turned out to be a productive learning experience for a fresher such as me,” said 33-year-old Sagar Mishra.

“I was drawn towards drama and theatre activities since childhood. It was a hobby that has later turned into a passion. The monthlong workshop and orientation programme would be a tonic for the learners. Apart from learning basic and fundamental nuances of acting, I have been able to comprehend points on dialogue delivery, facial expression and the importance of expression in eyes to reach the audience,” said Subrat Pradhan, a 26-year-old participant.

Conceptualised by Arvind Gaur, director of the Asmita theatre group, this is the first of its kind workshop that provides working professionals with a platform to pursue theatre on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

“Drama is a group art. It has specialised fields and to excel in theatre, one has to comprehend the intrinsic and basic characteristics of it. The workshop of this nature is a fitting platform for exploring the skills and expertise of amateur artistes,” said Dolgovind Rath, the camp director.

“There is abundant theatre talent in Odisha. But, it needs to be tapped. I have seen sparks of inherent theatre skills among those, who are taking part in the monthlong workshop,” Rath said.