Theatre Arts is for Everyone
Often it is assumed that the study of the Theatre Arts is limited to’ acting’ or ‘drama’. While this is a miniscule part of the practice, the depth of the subject allows for significant transformation.
Throughout history, theatre has been used as a tool to achieve a variety of goals. Early theatre practices like Commedia Dell'arte started as a marketing tool on the market streets of Italy in the 16th Century, and progressed to be a strong community engagement platform. Indian dance dramas like Bharatnatyam and Odissi originated in temples, and the purpose was also to venerate and evoke gods and goddesses or celebrate milestones. Theatre now is also used as a solid tool for therapy, healing, and personal transformation.
At J’s Academy, we have developed a pedagogy that gradually inculcates the skills of speech, drama and communication through theatre. What this means is, certain soft skills and subject skills are taught through theatre tools like improvisation, miming and theatre activities. Thus, these skills are highly transferable in all spheres of life - social, educational, professional - developing a secure and stronger sense of self over time, along with the skills needed to become an expert.
In order to apply this, the academy has developed various programmes for adults and children. This facilitates a structured approach towards harnessing the power of the theatre arts.
Our courses certify students through our affiliations with Trinity College London, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), arthaus.berlin, and Thomas Prattki Centre.
Our Founder
Jhelum Gosalia is the founder and director of J’s Academy of Speech & Drama.
Jhelum is a Trinity College, London adjudicator; an alumnus of United World College and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and has produced plays for both children and adults. Some of her experiences include producing courses at the New York Film Academy, and plays such as Panchatantra, Ehsaas, Keep Calm and Dance.
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She has been training and mentoring teachers and students for over 15 years in the field of Speech, Drama and Performing Arts; and has also developed best practices in Theatre in Education training programmes for international schools.
Jhelum leads the curriculum, faculty, and associations at the Academy, in alignment with her unique pedagogy.
Spruha Mehta
Business Head
Work experience in finance, education technology, and marketing
Salina Dalal
Curriculum Head
Work experience in early childhood and special needs education
Affiliations
Our Journey
2013
The Beginning
Started with 5 students and a vision to make many more children explore theatre education. Began sending students up for the Trinity College London examinations.
Official Exam Centre
Got certified to be official examination centres for Trinity College London, and London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
2018
2019
A Drama School
Grew 300 students strong and became a “school”. We opened a new centre; and incorporated Theatre in Education for a network of schools.
Lockdown & Online Learning
Moved the school to online zoom classes and continued to work with the students during the lockdown period, and completed their Trinity exams digitally.
2020
2023
In Bangalore
With 3 centres in South Mumbai, we started a new centre in Koramangala, Bangalore - with the first cohort of 50 students.
Of Berlin
Partnership with Thomas Prattki and arthaus.berlin - Jhelum facilitated at their Berlin campus, and Thomas conducted intensive workshops for adults at our centres.