Bhubaneswar: Staying true to its long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent for stage, Jeevan Rekha, one of the premier theatre groups in the state, concluded its seven-day acting orientation workshop, ‘Actlab 2026’ in Bhubaneswar on July 26, leaving participants inspired, more confident and eager to take the stage.
Inaugurated on July 20, the workshop saw the participation of ten aspiring actors shortlisted from 25 applicants. The participants represented diverse backgrounds—from students and teachers to filmmakers, actors and entrepreneurs—creating a vibrant learning atmosphere.
The attendees included Soumya Bairagi, a Plus II second year student; Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra, a Plus II first year student; Soubhagya Ranjan Sahoo, a BTech student; Chandan Meher, a teacher and a television actor, Arya Kumar, an MBA student; Subham Biswal, a graduate; Sam Sukant, an actor and choreographer; Abhishek Das, a screenplay writer, Abhishek Swain, a film director and Pravej Kumar, a businessman.
Conducted by actor and acting coach Ashis Rout, NSDian Smruti Ranjan Rout, and actor Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Jeevan Rekha provided a nurturing environment at the workshop where learning went hand in hand with creativity.
The sessions focused on unlocking the creative potential of young aspirants and helping them understand the pivotal role that body, mind and voice play in theatre.
On the concluding day, a certificate distribution ceremony was held where the attendees shared their experiences with Kalasanskruti. Their words reflected not only satisfaction but also a renewed confidence in pursuing theatre.
For Priyanka Priyadarshini Mishra, the workshop was nothing but an eye-opener.
“I had never attended any theatre workshop before. I used to think acting was all about memorizing and delivering dialogues. But here at the workshop, I learnt how body movement, breathing techniques and voice modulation can breathe life into a performance,” she said.
“The workshop has made me confident to perform even before a packed audience,” she added.
Echoing the same, Soumya Bairagi said, “I was looking for a serious theatre workshop before deciding on Jeevan Rekha’s Actlab 2026.”
“My father and I made several enquiries before choosing Jeevan Rekha. Looking back, it was worth every effort. These seven days showed me that the workshop has been thoughtfully designed for the younger generation. I found the workshop both educating and enjoying,” she added.
For Soubhagya Ranjan Sahoo, the experience exceeded all expectations. “I learnt several important aspects from each mentor. From Dipanwita bhai, I learnt how to stay mentally composed while nurturing my thought process. Ashis bhai taught me how to seamlessly switch between situations and characters while Smruti bhai encouraged us to keep our minds open and learn through observation,’ he said.
On why he joined an acting workshop, Abhishek Das, who penned the Odia film Bindusagar, said he joined the workshop because he wanted to bring out the actor within him. “The training will go a long way in helping me express emotions more effectively, and that, in turn, will enrich my screenplay writing,” he said.
Television actor Chandan Meher said the training filled an important gap in his artistic journey.
“I have already experience of facing camera, but never acted in plays. I firmly believe theatre is the cradle of great actors. This belief brought me to Jeevan Rekha’s workshop. Even though it was a short-term workshop, it packed a punch. The topics were thoughtfully chosen and the teachers explained them brilliantly,” he added.
Actor and choreographer Sam Sukant, who has appeared in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, ‘12th Fail’ and ‘Sam Bahadur’, besides playing the lead in the web series ‘Kinnar’, said his search for meaningful theatre training landed him at Jeevan Rekha’s ‘Actlab 2026’.
“After returning from Mumbai, I wanted to join a theatre workshop because it is the foundation of acting. After making several enquiries, I joined this workshop, and it turned out to be beyond my expectations. I look forward to continuing my association with Jeevan Rekha,” he said.
The mentors were also overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm and discipline displayed by the participants.
“Since many of the attendees were new to theatre, our teaching began with basic. Our emphasis remained on three aspects-body, mind and voice. During the entire period, I found them were punctual, dedicated and eager to learn. I hope they continue practising and make good use of what they have learnt and become successful actors,” said Dipanwit Dashmohapatra.
Informing about the methodology employed, Smruti Ranjan Rout said the workshop introduced participants to the approaches of Konstantin Stanislavski, Maria Knebel, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov and Eugenio Barba.
“The Stanislavski method helps actors understand script, objectives, circumstances, hidden objective (sub text). Maria Knebel’s approach deals with active analysis. Meisner focuses on on active listening and truthful response. Michael Chekhov emphasises psychological gesture, body awakens imagination while and Eugenio Barba’s method develops pre-expressivity and presence before performance,” he explained.
Summing up the workshop, mentor Ashis Rout stressed that sustained practice would determine the participants’ future.
“Practice makes one perfect. Every participant has a spark. We have merely ignited it and it is up to them to keep the flame alive. If they continue practising and explore the full potential of their body, mind, voice and soul, they will become accomplished actors,” he said.
Jeevan Rekha president Smt Chinmayee Sarangi said involving young people in theatre has always been the organisation’s aim and objective. “Our main aim is to involve younger generation in theatre and this workshop is another step in that direction. The participants displayed remarkable punctuality and dedication—qualities that will stand them in good stead in the years ahead. I wish them every success in their artistic journey,” she said.
The curtain may have fallen on ‘Actlab 2026’, but for its participants, the journey has only just begun. It is learnt that Jeevan Rekha is now gearing up to stage a play in Bhubaneswar on August 29. And, some of the workshop participants may soon get an opportunity to show their newly acquired skills in that play.
