The workshop commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. R. Srinivasan, Head of the Department. He emphasized the importance of acting as an art form and its impact on the entertainment industry. He encouraged students to actively participate and learn from the esteemed resource person. Introduction of the Resource Person: – The Department Director, Mr. R. D. Balaji, introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Shanmuga Raja, a renowned film actor and theatre director. He highlighted Mr. Raja’s contributions to the film and theatre industry, acknowledging his expertise in the field of acting. Art of Acting: This session provided an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of acting, focusing on various elements essential to performance. Understanding the Fundamentals of Acting: Participants were introduced to the basics of acting, including character development, emotional expression, and stagecraft. The session emphasized how an actor must internalize emotions and effectively portray them to an audience.
Body Language: The importance of non-verbal communication was highlighted. Students learned how gestures, posture, and movement contribute to delivering a powerful performance. Voice Modulation: The session explored voice training techniques, including pitch control, tone variation, and articulation. These skills help actors convey emotions and dialogues convincingly. Stage Presence: Students were taught how to command the stage with confidence and authenticity. This included exercises on movement, positioning, and maintaining audience engagement. Methods and Madness: This segment delved into different acting methodologies, showcasing how actors immerse themselves into roles using various techniques. Method Acting: Inspired by the Stanislavski system, students explored techniques where
actors deeply connect with their characters by drawing from personal experiences and emotions. Improvisation Techniques: The workshop included interactive exercises where students performed impromptu scenes, helping them think on their feet and develop spontaneity in acting. Character Immersion: This involved understanding the psychology of a character, their background, motivations, and behaviors, allowing actors to portray roles with authenticity and depth. Madness in Acting: The session also covered the unpredictable and experimental side of acting, encouraging students to push their creative boundaries and embrace unconventional approaches to performance. The final session was an engaging and insightful discussion where students had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Shanmuga Raja. Key takeaways from the session included: Insights into the Acting Profession: Mr. Raja shared his journey in the film and theatre industry, offering real-world experiences and challenges faced by actors. Industry Challenges: The discussion covered the competitive nature of the industry, the importance of perseverance, and how to overcome rejection and criticism. Career Opportunities: Students learned about different career paths in acting, including theatre, film, television, and digital media. Participants posed questions about character preparation, auditions, and professional growth, receiving valuable advice and mentorship from the resource person. Students from SACAS and other colleges actively participated in the workshop. They posed insightful questions and demonstrated great enthusiasm during interactive sessions. Podcast Coverage: The event was documented through a podcast hosted by Amritha (II B.Sc. Viscom) and Abhishek (I M.Sc. Viscom). They captured key moments and insights shared during the workshop, making it accessible to a broader audience The workshop concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Sridevi. She expressed gratitude to the resource person, faculty members, and students for making the session a successful and enriching experience.

Conclusion
The workshop on “Art of Acting” provided an invaluable learning experience for aspiring actors and media students. Mr. Shanmuga Raja’s expertise and engaging delivery enriched the participants’ understanding of the nuances of acting. The interactive discussions fostered a deeper appreciation of performance arts, inspiring students to pursue their creative aspirations in the field of acting and media.