FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About Drama School Mumbai

  • What is DSM?

    Drama School Mumbai was founded in 2013 to forge a new generation of theatre-makers; actor-creator-entrepreneurs professionally trained to perform and create work to a higher global standard of storytelling. We work with a faculty comprising of the best theatre practitioners, actors, playwrights, directors, theatre designers and producers. Drama School Mumbai also works to promote the awareness of theatre and its processes to a wider audience interested in exploring and understanding the medium for themselves.

  • What are the courses offered at DSM?

    Currently, we offer the following programmes:

    • Global Faculty Programme, a series of workshops for practising theatre-makers, actors, writers, directors and even filmmakers. The Faculty for these workshops comes from drama schools, companies and performance traditions across the world.
    • Foundation Course in Acting and Theatre-making (Digital). Applications to this six month course will open soon.

    For more details on our courses please write to us on info@thedramaschoolmumbai.in

  • What is the medium of instruction and performances at the school?

    English and Hindi are the predominant languages of instruction, depending on the batch, final performances tend to be in Hindi, though there have been English presentations as well

  • Is DSM affiliated with any university?

    We are in the process of seeking university affiliations and working closely with other institutions. However currently, all our programmes are independent course without an affiliation.

About the Foundation Course

  • I am nervous about the prospect of online learning – does it mean my training won’t be as high a standard?

    DSM has worked relentlessly with our Course Leaders and consulted with pedagogy and drama experts from across the world to develop this Foundation Course. This has then been further optimized for the digital medium and remote learning. We have put together a support structure to ensure that students have access to help, encouragement and feedback whenever they need it. Whether in the digital space or rehearsal room, DSM’s commitment to learning with rigour, focus and collaboration remains steadfast.

    Moreover, since March our faculty, alumni and others are all currently participating in different kinds of online and digital training. The methods and approaches vary from in-person training, but they have all found that embodied learning can be just as effective in the digital space.

  • This is a full-time course. Why do we have only five hours of contact time per day?

    Digital training, by its very nature, is a condensed format of learning. We can be specific and focussed in more profound ways. Also, in the past few months, our experience of conducting Global Faculty Workshops has been that fatigue sets in after 4-5 hours of work in the online space. However, just because sessions end at 4 PM does not mean learning comes to a halt. Students will be given reflection activities and home assignments to work with on their own time.

  • What language will the course be conducted in?

    The Foundation course will be conducted in English and Hindi. Sessions with international faculty will be in English. The Course Advisor will discuss language support options, if needed, with you at the time of admission.

  • Will you be resuming the one year PG Course once things return to normal?

    At this point, the future is unpredictable. None of us know if and when things will return to normal. That being the case, our learnings in lockdown have enhanced the way we envision our curriculum and formats of delivery. After the Foundation Course, DSM will offer a six-month Advanced Course in Acting and Theatre-making. We will not be resuming the PG Course in the format that it existed between 2013-2020.

  • Can I work and do other courses while doing the Foundation Course?

    The Foundation Course in Acting and Theatre-making has been designed as a full-time course. DSM firmly believes that taking any time away will affect your performance and interfere with your growth at school.

  • Are there EMI options available for fee payment? How can I access them?

    Once your admission has been confirmed, please get in touch with your Course Advisor Shruti Arora (sarora@thedramaschoolmumbai.in) to discuss your options.

  • What if I miss a class due to bad internet?

    Once admission is confirmed, we advise you to get a dongle from a competent internet service provider. We understand that shaky internet connections, power cuts etc are a reality in many situations. We recommend however that you think through your options and prepare for all eventualities. In an extreme case, if you do miss your sessions due to technical difficulties, you have the option of getting in touch with the Course Coordinator to access recordings and notes from the session.

About DSM’s COVID Policy:

  • What if the country goes on lockdown again?

    The Foundation Course 2020-2021 will be conducted entirely digitally. As such lockdowns and similar disruptions should not affect the flow of the course.

  • What if a faculty member gets sick?

    Like in any course, people call in sick from time to time, In case a faculty member falls sick, the school will either adjust classes or find a substitute facilitator. We will take all necessary actions to ensure that you will still have a complete learning journey.

  • What if I get sick?

    We will be in constant touch with you during the entire six months. This will give us plenty of time to check in on and discuss your mental and physical health. As such, if a student gets sick during the course, we will make a decision based on the circumstances.

*all descriptions, plans, teaching outcomes, requirements and terms outlined in this document are subject to change, modification and amendment by the Drama School Mumbai.

  • Are there any scholarships available for the Foundation course? What are the eligibility criteria for gaining a scholarship?

    Currently, we offer only need-based scholarships and bursaries.

    For more information on the scholarships, please write to us on info@thedramaschoolmumbai.in

  • Are there any scholarships for international students?

    Our scholarships and fee criteria are the same for all students on our program, however, most patrons and donors to the DSM do focus on Indian students.

  • Are there any related hidden costs/additional costs that the students will be asked to pay during the course?

    No, there are no hidden costs or additional costs. We charge only a one-time fee at the beginning of the course. Students also have an option to pay their fees in instalments.

    For more details on payment plans, please write to us on info@thedramaschoolmumbai.in.

  • Are the students provided with a certificate after completion of the course?

    Yes, students who successfully complete the Foundation Course at DSM will be awarded a certificate at the end of the year.

  • What are the opportunities for us when we graduate from school?

    Students who have graduated from DSM in the previous years are working in different areas/sectors in the industry. To know more about our alumni, please see the Alumni section on our website.

  • Any possibilities of working with the school after graduating?

    The school offers opportunities on various platforms for work and internship. Students who successfully complete their graduation and are interested in working with the school should send in their CV and a letter of intent to the school.

  • Are there any residential facilities available for the students?

    DSM doesn’t provide any kind of residential facilities for the students. Students need to arrange for their own accommodation. However, the school authorities are available to provide any kind of assistance related to their stay in Mumbai. We have a good network of DSM Alumni who are also available to guide the students in case they need help with any logistics related to the course or accommodation in Mumbai.

  • Does the school have a placement service?

    The school provides students with access to a large network of alumni, faculty and theatre companies, all of whom have further connections into the wider theatre, film and television industry. As part of the course, students are required to complete a one-month internship post their graduation. Many students continue on at the organisations they originally interned with.

    The school also provides assistance and guidance in terms of career opportunities and further studies to all its students that could help them build a successful career in Acting and Theatre Making and allied sectors.

  • Do you have Medical & Health counselling facilities available for the students?

    Yes, we have a program on mental health and physical well being as part of the course.

    Mental health counsellors and psychotherapists are available to the students during their time on the course.

  • Does Drama School Mumbai have its own repertory?

    A number of students have gone on to form their own groups and output plays each year. The alumni have many opportunities to create and make work.

  • Are there any 2-3 month long courses available at DSM?

    The current module consists of a six-month Foundation and Advanced level workshops. However, if you stay connected to our network via our social media platforms, we do keep posting about other course opportunities there.

  • Do you have courses available for children?

    At Drama School Mumbai we work only with adults. However, our parent company, Theatre Professionals Education, works with schools and education – do connect with them by writing into librarian@theatreprofessionals.co.in