‘The Acting Hearts – Theatre for All’, a theatre workshop aimed at instilling the spirit of theatre among the young and old, has witnessed enthusiastic participation from people across age groups and professions. Now in its 12th edition, the workshop is the first of its kind, based on the core skills used by actors on stage. This year, participants range from a 9-year-old child to a 71-year-old senior, reflecting its wide appeal across generations.
‘The Acting Hearts’ theatre workshop was originally conceptualised and launched in Jalandhar about 13 years ago by Dr Ankur Sharma, founder and creative director of YUVAA Theatre. It has since become a popular initiative among city residents, especially those seeking engaging summer activities for children as well as adults. The workshop includes structured modules that focus on the essential instruments of an actor’s craft — the body, mind, voice and sensory perception — helping participants develop performance skills through experiential learning.
Movement exercises at the workshop are designed to awaken the actor’s body, with participants engaging in a range of games that help strengthen the connection between the mind and body. A key focus of the training is voice work, aimed at opening up participants’ vocal range and enabling them to modulate as well as increase the volume and clarity of their speech. Over the course of 10 days, participants collaboratively create scenes, write poems, sing songs and even perform dance.
All the activities are carefully designed to gradually culminate in a one-act play, which is showcased to participants’ family members on the final day of the workshop. The workshop has no age restrictions, with participants actively engaging and improving their performance skills.
Dr Ankur Sharma, Associate Professor for over two decades and trained in drama at Yale University, USA and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London, said the growing importance of such workshops in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape stems from what he described as a gap in the traditional education system in balancing increasing screen time with declining physical awareness among younger generations.
“In our workshop, businessmen, doctors, homemakers and students participate with equal enthusiasm,” Sharma said. “The sessions run for three hours and conclude at 10 am, allowing working participants to leave early and return to their professions. We read, act, dance, exercise and sing together — sessions that help release stress and create a calming inner rhythm for people fed up with their daily grind.”
