Stage Management

Stage ManagementA Three-Day Workshop by Abhishek MudgalThursday to Saturday, 26th to 28th November, 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.Points to NoteYour place in the workshop will be confirmed only after payment and final selection. If you are not selected, the fee will be refunded.If you are selected and attend the entire workshop, the fee will be refunded.If you are selected and there is a no-show, or if you attend only part of the workshop, there will be no refund.About the WorkshopThis introductory workshop is designed to give participants a practical understanding of the role of a stage manager and the stage management process in theatre.The workshop will introduce participants to terminology and the various departments of theatre, followed by an exploration of the role and responsibilities of a stage manager across the different stages of a production — from pre-production and rehearsals to technical rehearsals and performances.Participants will be introduced to basic stage management paperwork, organisational tools, communication practices and production processes. A key component will be crisis management, where participants will work through real-life theatre situations and learn to approach unexpected challenges with calm, logical and collaborative thinking. The workshop will combine discussions, group activities, practical exercises and demonstrations, providing participants with a strong foundation in stage management.About the FacilitatorAbhishek MudgalA State Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, Abhishek Mudgal graduated from the Department of Dramatics, University of Rajasthan. He also holds a Diploma in Natyashastra and Western Theatre from Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal.In 2021, he was honoured with the Junior Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, recognising his sustained contribution to Indian theatre. He has directed and performed in over 1000 street plays on women’s safety across Rajasthan in the aftermath of the Delhi rape case. In 2012, he was awarded the Ministry of Culture’s Scholarship for Young Artists for extensive research on acting styles.Abhishek has directed more than 25 plays, including Hayavadana, Mahabrahman, Raktkalyan, Dulari Bai and Rashmirathi (based on Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s epic poem).He is the Founder and Director of the Rang Rajasthan Festival, one of India’s leading theatre festivals, which has been running successfully for the past 11 years. He has also served as Programme Officer at Rajasthan International Centre and as Stage Manager at Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi.Currently, Abhishek serves as Stage Manager at the National School of Drama. In 2025, he represented India at the Singapore Indian Theatre Festival, organised by the High Commission of India, Singapore.Applicants to NoteApplicants are required to fill in the form linked below to give us an understanding of their experience, interests and more.Workshop Application Form: Stage ManagementEligibility Age: 18 years and aboveExperience: Participants with an interest in theatre, acting, stagecraft, production, or related performing arts may apply. Prior theatre experience is welcome but not mandatory. Preference may be given to participants who demonstrate commitment, curiosity, openness to collaborative work, and a willingness to actively engage in the Stage Management workshop process.Physical Readiness: Physical fitness is not compulsory. However, participants should be comfortable taking part in some practical, activity-based exercises that may involve movement.Advisory Clothing: Comfortable and loose clothing is recommended, preferably with pockets. Participants may also carry a small bag for essential items.Food Advisory: Participants are advised to avoid having very heavy meals immediately before practical activities.Participants should carry a bottle of water.About the FestivalPLAYINTERPLAY is a theatre festival with a difference. It celebrates 50 years of the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, bringing together its theatre awardees and scholars to show their work, share their experiences, skills and learnings, and converse on matters of common interest.PLAYINTERPLAY presents plays that are new to Bengaluru. What is different, however, is that it looks back as well as forward, featuring a work of theatre that has been specially revived for the festival and readings of plays that are still to become the finished article.PLAYINTERPLAY does more: it forges connections between its constituent parts — performances, workshops, conversations and experience sharing — emphasising the interplay between thought, learning and practice.See the plays! Apply for the workshops! Join the conversations! Soak in the magic of theatre.About the Artistic DirectorAnmol Vellani is the founder and former executive director of India Foundation for the Arts, the first independent philanthropic organisation in India devoted exclusively to supporting the arts. He is also the co-founder of Toto Funds the Arts, which nurtures, encourages and rewards new voices and emerging talent in the arts.Anmol did not, however, aspire to become a professional in the field of philanthropy. His early fascination was with the arts, especially theatre and music, and also philosophy, which he studied at the Universities of Poona, Oxford and Cambridge. He taught ethics, logic and the history of philosophy at Elphinstone College, Mumbai, in the 1970s.His writing and talks — on arts entrepreneurship, the creative economy, cultural policy, the role of grant-making foundations, culture and development, arts collaboration and the performing arts, for example — have reflected on the insights he has gleaned from his long engagement with the arts and philanthropy.Anmol has been associated with nearly 50 plays as a director, designer or actor. He has directed theatre productions in different languages and cities. His last two plays — Innocence (2024) and Apne Ghar Jaisa (2022) — have been lauded for their sharp and critical look at contemporary social and political realities in India.