Singapore-based arts and entertainment company Teamwork Productions is all set to launch a brand new digital platform, CreativE-Mentor aimed at mentoring aspiring actors and entertainers to "support and encourage learning, honing of skills and the maximisation of individual creative potential”.
The programme has brought on board veteran Bollywood actress Lillete Dubey, who has a long and impressive showbiz repertoire including big hits like 'Monsoon Wedding', 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', 'Zubeida' and 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' as well as over 40 plays.
Dubey will be the first mentor in the programme over a three-day virtual workshop.
On being asked whether acting was an innate talent or if it could be taught, Dubey told Connected to India that the answer was both yes and no.
“You have to have some innate talent – as you need to have for everything else, whether it be a tennis player, athlete, singer etc. But having said that, most humans are actors to some degree or another so it’s part of our DNA too in a sense,” she said.
The curated workshop includes detailed scene work, learning the craft of acting in film and theatre and Lillete Dubey’s own unique perspective on the profession.
“Talent in itself is great, but there is something called understanding and honing your craft; learning from the techniques and experiences of others and then of course making it completely your own,” she added.
The mentor workshops will emphasise practical experiences and learning with experienced professionals. Advanced level workshops are available for students who would like to excel in specific art genres.
Shweta Asnani, founder, Teamwork Productions, said CreativE Mentor is about bridging the gap between learning and experience and giving people access to stalwarts of the art world.
“After 20 years of experience in the world of arts, curating and working with artistes, I thought let's create a stage where these artists and legends can teach, give back, collaborate and help others grow,” she told Connected to India.
“The idea is to bring people together digitally and create a platform where passion and education meet experience. Borders have closed on us but the digital world has wholeheartedly broken the barriers, crossed those boundaries and given us unprecedented access and opportunity,” Shweta added.
The first workshop is scheduled for June 4-6 and will cover a wide range of acting tools and tricks of the trade.