The feedback from my end:

I had a tough phase at work during this work shop and so it did not just help me with my skills it was my only time off from all the turbulence at office. I always looked forward to the classes and wudn’t miss a single one if it weren’t for the work!

As for the learning –
1. I realized how easy it was to get over the inhibitions is we got used the fear of looking foolish out of the mind. I experimented so much in the various sketches I am sure I wud never have.
2. I enjoyed watching all the various sketches that all came up with – also the advanced batch as there was so much to learn. The same script was done so differently with so much creativity it inspired me to work harder every time.
3. Now I don’t just talk to people – I watch them. Almost every reaction they have – I come out as a good listener which is a welcome change!:) It also helps when you kind of say something the other person may not like or appreciate as you watch him/her so closely. I have found it much easier to interact with people after the workshop.
4. The actor’s magic and his / her strength that gets the best out of him / her and not to do it the way another wud do it. I also realized how silly it was to compare 2 characters done by different people. The idea was bring to life the same character to the best of one’s ability.
5. The voice exercises helped me to bring the clarity in addition to those exercises that I did for quality voice – pitch, volume, tone & breathing.
6. I wish there were more sessions on dancing! I loved that session…
7. I found the MOST useful session to be the one on IMPROVISATION. I realized how important it is to make the scene look spontaneous even though it has been rehearsed over and over again. We are all aware of how Murphy’s law works and from past experience I know how difficult it is to cover up mistakes and goof ups. But with improvisation I found myself getting used to such mishaps and covering them up.
8. I have always had this thing about scripting and direction. Much of what I learnt has helped me greatly in this regard as well. The hypercreativity all around always made one try hard and come up with more innovative ways. Just the thing I was looking for.
9. I have often found myself losing character and becoming conscious on stage. From the tips in the class I learnt how to get into the character in just 2 minutes and hold it throughout. I still find it difficult to hold the character but now I know what to work on to get it right…
10. Last but not the least – I always have the desire to meet new people and make friends and in this workshop I had a chance to meet people from all walks of life (and NOT just IT! ). I learnt a gr8 deal from them and also made good friends. Coffee never felt as gr8 as it does at AJs

As for Ratan –
I really loved working with him. I like the way he takes time to clear all the doubts tat come across. I loved the way he used to put life in some very drab scenes with simple suggestions. The experience and ability showed throughout and I knew I could learn a lot. I found other directors rather intimidating and unlike the rest Ratan is such a buddy! He listens and looks for suggestions where “other” directors wud spend ample energy to establish the fact they were the… He so encouraged everybody to come up with ideas and I guess brought the best out in most of us…

Looking forward to the advanced workshop (hoping I will be in bangalore for sometime – if I am, I definitely wud be part of it).

Luv,
Dodo