Date: May, 27, 28 & 30, 2016
Place: Mirambika School for New Age, Bengaluru
For Teachers
On May 27 and 28, 2016, two groups of 25 teachers of Mirambika School for New Age (MSFNA) in Bengaluru participated in an introductory session on theatre arts and possibilities of bringing about an integral learning environment through its application. During the workshop teachers could observe through enquiry and explore by active participation, the role theatre can play in the field of education and what its real essence is. Each workshop kindled in our participant teachers an aspiration for understanding theatre as a learning tool in depth.
The workshop was facilitated by Ravi Shanker, a theatre in education enthusiast, stage and voice actor and now a part of India Council for Integral Education (ICIE) as Creative Director for theatre in Integral Education.
Collective Feedback of Principal and Participant Teachers
“The workshops on TIIE (Theatre in Integral Education) were held on May 27, 28 and 30, 2016. It was conducted by Mr. Ravi Shanker. The exposure to the workshop was a first time experience for many teachers. It provided an immense opportunity to expand verbal and nonverbal communication. The workshop helped teachers to evolve with innovative learning and teaching strategies, enhance creativity, self-control and a deeper experience to make sense out of real life situations. It served as a platform to unwind and to balance emotions with empathy. It provided a focused atmosphere and also aided aesthetic development. It helped to co-ordinate exchange of ideas amongst ourselves, and their assimilation to emerge as a theme. This activity demonstrated oneness. The workshop activities enabled teachers to break monotony and explore beyond their comfort zone. The activities made us think out of the box and adapt to any given situation for students in particular with great optimism. The key point of the workshop was to recognize that as a play turns out to be beautiful, via constant practice, so can teaching be lively and effective with constant preparedness.”
– Principal, MSFNA
For Children
Meanwhile on May 30, 2016, two groups of students from grade 9 were in for an enriching experience during a Theatre Workshop held at MFSNA in Bengaluru. One group explored themselves through movements and imagery, whereas the other group explored their imagination and creative faculty via a storytelling game. Their evident enthusiasm and proactive approach appeared as some of their major strengths. More of such workshops and TIIE projects would most certainly enhance the overall development of this group of adolescents.