A mentorship programme for theatre beginners

Studio Tamaasha's programme Pehel aims to introduce budding artists to the theatre ecosystem in Mumbai

- Prachi Sibal

Earlier this year, during the Manch Theatre Festival in Mumbai, Sapan Saran, founding member of Studio Tamaasha and actor Sukant Goel addressed a set of young theatre enthusiasts. They shared their journeys through the labyrinths of Mumbai's theatre ecosystem. Though their stories were vastly different, they had one thing in common—serendipitous beginnings that led them to strong mentors. For instance, it was a chance meeting with Satyadev Dubey which led Goel to embark on a decade-long career on stage. But such instances are only few and far in between. What about avenues for regular guidance and mentorship for aspiring theatre practitioners? Should you opt for workshops or head straight to a theatre school? Or make a beeline to the auditions and learn as you go? Saran admits that in an unorganised industry, there is no set answer.