Introduction
The performing arts constitutes an industry possessing universal appeal,
going beyond time, age and culture. The performing
arts are divided into three distinct yet, related areas --
* Drama
* Music
* Dance
The entertainment
industry is a sure fire way of achieving fame and success as it is an industry widely
popular with the
masses. However an instant success is uncertain.
DRAMA
THE WORK
Theatre
is recognized as one of the most powerful mediums to alert and inspire the public mind.
Over the ages theatre has
been responsible for manipulating public responses and opinions.
Theatre work however is not as glamorous as it may seem
to us. More often than not actors are out of work and there is
relatively little pay. Although the directors/producers are assured
the security of a permanent job, job returns are uncertain. Most of
the limelight goes to the actor.
ACTOR
The
actor's job is to assume or interpret a character under the guidance of a director. Much
of an actor's time is spent learning
parts and rehearsing plays. The actual performance is a culmination of
days and even months of hard work although it only
occupies a small proportion of the actor's time. Actors may work in
either live stage performances or in recorded work such as
films / videos / television / radio.
DIRECTOR
Selects suitable actors and
actresses and other technical staff. The director interprets the play and directs each role.
PRODUCER
Selects the theme of the stage /
movie / TV production. He is also responsible for obtaining and arranging finances,
budgeting
of expenses by various departments.
Your Work Environment
Most
stage work has generally been performed in theatres but theatre is now moving out of the
confines of a stage. Plays are
performed in streets, parks etc. Location filming for camera and TV can
involve working in all weathers, often for prolonged
periods. Films usually take a long time to make. Actors normally have to wait
around for months before they are needed.
Your Personality
Traits
Actors require ...
-Versatility
-Ability to interpret
and assume roles both of depth and range
-Imaginative and
creative use of the body and voice
-Should have a fund of
mental knowledge of music / dance and also the stories/themes which are the basis of drama
-Conversant with the
language of drama
-An expressive face.
Directors require...
-Managerial skills
-Good communication
skills
-Ability to work in a
team
-Creative and able to
draw out of the actors all their abilities
Your Future
Prospects
Employment to the dramatic artist is
provided by professional theatrical companies and semi-theatrical Institutions (such as
AIR, movie studios, films division and song and drama division of the
Information & Broadcasting Ministry), recording studios
and companies. Bigger cities and towns have lots of openings.
Appointments are made in response to advertisements. Other
openings include :
Commercial Theatres
Set up for one particular play or
show. Run for a particular length of time.
Inexperienced actors are highly unlikely to obtain work here.
Films
Actors are hired for a particular
film. Actual production may take months. A lucky few are spotted.
Television
Possible to appear in long running
serials (and so become a household name). The work requires special skills of working
before a camera.
Radio
Most radio work is on an on and off
basis, although there are serials and radio plays.
Advertisements
Commercials are a good boost to an
actor's income.
MUSIC
Music is a performing art in which the musician communicates with the
audience. There are roughly three areas
of music
within which are many other sub-divisions :
- Classical Music
- Popular Music
- Instrumental Music
These categories
contain a variety of music related professions :
-Music Composer/Director
: Creates and writes popular songs and sets them to music.
-Orchestra Conductor :
Directs orchestra, chorus or other musical performances.
-Singers : Sing alone or
in a group. With or without musical accompaniment.
-Instrument Players :
There are various instruments eg. Veena / Sarod / Sitar / Tabla / Sarangi / Santoor /
Shehnai which are
played by such artists. They can play either solo or as an
compliment to a vocal singer.
Your Work Environment
Performance venues range from concert halls, theatres and cultural centres,
clubs and schools. Some recording studios have
very little natural light and may be cramped. Musicians usually work indoors
although they may occasionally perform an
outdoor concert. They often work as part of a team in a group or orchestra
although they also work alone at home whilst
practising. Most musicians travel long distances for performances.
Your Personality
Traits
The following qualities are necessary for a good musician...
- A good voice in the case of vocal
music and a wide imagination to develop new compositions
- Dedication to this art
- Professional qualifications and
personal guidance in this field can lead to success
Your Future
Prospects
Musicians face intense competition while applying for jobs. The number of
permanent full-time jobs is very small and it is very
difficult for an unknown musician to establish himself. Most musicians take
whatever work they can find and try to earn a living
from different sources. Many musicians (particularly at the start of their
careers) supplement their income with another job.
Many dancers, composers and musicians are employed by Academies, Kala
Kendras, Independent Television Companies,
Doordarshan, All India Radio and teaching institutions. There are also
opportunities for self-employment in the form of writing
books on performing arts,
holding private classes and producing/directing independent programmes.
DANCE
THE WORK
The life of a dancer may seem
glamorous and exciting. Whilst this may be true for a minority, the reality of gruelling
daily
exercise combined with performances is somewhat different. Few dancers make a
fortune and most face financial uncertainty
all their lives. Dancers spend only a small amount of their time performing.
Much more time is spent practising, exercising
and rehearsing. There are basically two dance related professions :
- CHOREOGRAPHER : Designs and
composes dances. He also co-ordinates the stage setting, music, costumes and
supervises rehearsals.
- DANCER : Performs solo / duet /
group in a particular form of dancing such as Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak etc.
Your Working
Conditions
Often in cramped rehearsal rooms. Work away from home when on tour and in a
variety of settings.
Your Personality
Traits
A good dancer requires the following physical attributes :
- A supple body to make slow or
brisk movements of the neck, eyes, hand and feet.
- Physical stamina and good health
- Fundamental knowledge of music,
costumes and hairstyles
- Ability to adapt to various
categories of dance
Your Future
Prospects
Dancing is an extremely competitive field of work with many performers facing
long periods of unemployment. Many dancers
supplement their income with temporary/part time jobs. Many dancers are
employed by Academies, Kala Kendras, Television,
Doordarshan, All India Radio and Teaching Institutions. There are also
opportunities for self-employment in the form of writing
books on performing arts, holding private classes and producing/directing
independent programmes.
Your
Institutes
- DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
ADDRESS : University of Bombay, University Club House,'B' Road,
Churchgate, Mumbai - 400 200
COURSES :
- Diploma in Hindustani Vocal Classical Music
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Degree course of above)
- Certificate course in Light Music.
DURATION : Course 1 : 2 yr.
- PUNJAB UNIVERSITY
ADDRESS : Department of Music (Chandigarh)
Department of Speech and Drama (Patiala)
COURSES : Course 1 : M.A. (Music)
Course 2 : Diploma in Dramatic Art
DURATION : 1 Yr.
- NATIONAL SCHOOL OF
DRAMA
ADDRESS : Bhawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi - 110 001
COURSE : Diploma in Dramatic Arts
DURATION : 3 yrs
- BHATKANDE COLLEGE OF
HINDUSTANI MUSIC
ADDRESS : Lucknow
COURSE : Diploma in Music
DURATION : 5 yrs
- ASIAN ACADEMY OF FILM
& TELEVISION
ADDRESS : Sector 16-A, Noida
COURSE : Practical courses in Production/Direction, Acting, Video
Editing and Camera
DURATION : 3 months
- FILM AND TELEVISION
INSTITUTE OF INDIA
ADDRESS : Law College Road, Pune - 411004
COURSES :
- Diploma in Motion Picture Photography
- Diploma in Audiography
- Diploma in Film Editing
- Diploma in Production (Film & TV)
- Diploma in Scenic Design (Film & TV)
- Short Term Certificate Course in Acting (Film & TV)
- Post Diploma Course in Direction
- Diploma in Sound Recording and Sound Engineering
DURATION : Course 1,2,3,4,5 & 7 : 2 years
Course 6 : 6 months
Course 8 : 3 years
Eligibility :
Course 1 : A degree in any discipline with Physics and Chemistry
at +2 level or any diploma recognized as equivalent to
graduation by the Ministry of Education.
Course 2 : B.Sc. degree with Physics or Electronics & Course
8.
Course 3 : A degree in any discipline or any diploma recognized
& Course 4 as equivalent to graduation by the Ministry of
Education.
Course 5 : Degree / Diploma in Painting, Graphics, Sculpture,
Applied Arts OR Degree / Diploma in Architecture from a
recognized University.
Course 6 : Degree / Diploma in Theatre Arts with Acting
Specialization or equivalent from a University or a recognized
Institution.
Course 7 : A degree from a recognized University and a diploma or
degree OR its equivalent in any specialization in any
branch of Cinema from a recognized Institution or University.
Notification : July
Last date : September
Test : November
- UNIVERSITY OF MYSORE
ADDRESS : Mysore - 570 005
COURSES : Diploma in Dramatics Diploma in Music and Dance.
DURATION : Course 1 : 2 yr.
Course 2 : 2 yr.
- ANDHRA UNIVERSITY
ADDRESS : Waltair - 530 003
COURSES : Diploma in Play Writing
Diploma in Play Direction
Diploma in Acting
Diploma in Photography
DURATION : Course 1 : 2 yrs
- MARATHWADA UNIVERSITY
ADDRESS : Aurangabad - 431 004
COURSES : Diploma in Dramatics B.A. in Dramatics
DURATION : Course 2 : 3 yr.
- BHARTENDU ACADEMY OF
DRAMATIC ARTS
ADDRESS : A 2/58, Vishal Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
COURSE : Diploma in
Dramatic Arts
DURATION : 2 yrs (full time)
Eligibility : Graduate from a recognized University. Good
knowledge of Hindi and English. Minimum two years experience of
active theatrical work of acting in at least five plays/direction of two plays / back
stage work in three plays,
familiarity with dramatic literature having read at least ten Indian full-length plays.
Age : 18 to 35 years
Pattern of Exam : On the basis of Test, Audition and Interview
Notification : August
Last Date : August
Test : August
Session : September
- RAVINDRA BHARTI
UNIVERSITY
ADDRESS : 6/4, Dwarkanath Tagore Lane, Calcutta - 700 007
COURSE : B.A. (Hons) in Drama.
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