The Creative Arts was founded in 2002 by Ramanjit Kaur in order to provide systematic professional Theatre training to children and adults and to create more awareness by developing an individual’s imagination, personality and creativity. TCA’s vision is to collaborate with artists from various fields Nationally and Internationally, to explore different genres of Theatre and various other Art forms. 

Dramebaazi - International Children’s Theatre Carnival (Season III) 

Dramebaazi is the annual arts festival for children, organized by the theatre academy, The Creative Arts which is located in Kolkata, India. The Curators of Dramebaazi - International Children’s Theatre Carnival are Ramanjit Kaur and Baisali Chatterjee Dutt. This year, we are not only moving online, but also going International! We have experts from various fields joining us for the three day event. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and have this International Festival as the launch event for the Arts Leadership Council, WICCI.The festival celebrates performing and visual arts by conducting various workshops such as puppetry, mime, martial arts, folk painting, creative movement, radio jockeying, theatre, storytelling, poetry and so much more! 

WICCI Arts Leadership Council Launch Event

International Arts Summit

WEBINARS

27th July @ 7pm IST

Arts in education “Practice, Performance and Pedagogy”

Moderator- Ramanjit Kaur

Speakers:

1. Philip Heuzenroeder - Community Arts and Cultural Development leader, Choir Director, Musician. 
2. Lubna Marium- An eminent dancer, art director, researcher and cultural activist      
3. Dr Anita R Ratnam - Performer & Arts Entrepreneur 
4. Aishika Chakraborty - Professor and (former) Director of the School of Women’s Studies, Jadavpur University  
5. Kirtana Kumar: An actor, director, film-maker. Chairperson of Visthar Institute of  Development Studies

28th July @ 7pm IST

Arts in Education - “Curating, creating and fostering Arts.”

Moderator : Capt Dr. Sunaina Singh

Speakers:

1. Reena Dewan- Director - Kolkata Centre for Creativity, President - ICOM India
2. Shaili Sathyu- Artistic Director, Gillo Repertory Theatre 
3. Mithu Basu- Artist, Curator, Founder - “Dolna: The Movement”
4. Mahesh Pattar - Visual Artist and Educator. Assistant Professor and Artist at BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore
5. Nanda Khiara - Cultural Ambassador of C &K Burrough, London

29th July, 2020 @ 7pm IST 

'New age art forms that define contemporary age' 

Moderator : Ushoshi Sengupta

Speakers: 

1. Sushant Divgikar - Drag artist
2. Simar Singh - Founder of Unerase Poetry
3. Ajab M -Stylist & Communication Strategist for eco-conscious and sustainable fashion brands.
4. Swathi Singh - Freelance creative professional.

30th July @ 7pm IST 

Legal Awareness in fostering Arts Leadership

Moderator- Taranjit Kaur 

(Actor, Film maker, Spoken word poet and Founder of Padsquad Speaker)

Speakers:

1. Kishore Singh (President, Delhi Art Gallery)- Writer, Art Critic and Collector. Challenges faced by Artists (Painters) and the role of law in dealing with them
2. Sona Mohapatra- Singer, Song writer, lyricist as well as vocal champion of artiste rights. Challenges faced by music composers and singers and the role of law in dealing with them
3. Shwetasree Majumder- Intellectual Property Rights Attorney and Managing Partner of Fidus Law Chambers. The legal perspective- how you can protect yourself as an artiste
4. Ishani Chandra- Intellectual Property Rights Attorney and Managing Partner of Sagar Chandra & Associates. The legal perspective- how you can protect yourself as an artiste
5. Soundarie David Rodrigo- Artist & Attorney, Pianist, Music Director and Attorney from Sri Lanka. International perspective in the challenges faced by artistes and the role of law in overcoming the challenges

Events for 31st July 2020

Event 1

“Be okay with not being okay” - NoNorma Chat Session

‘An interactive discussion on the stigma pertaining to mental health. We aim to break the stigma - one conversation at a time.’

31st July @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm IST

Age Group: 15+ years

NoNorma is an abbreviation of ‘NOT NORMAL’ which basically implies about the stigmatized Indian society which has normalized many things such as rape, sexism, racism etc. In contrast, things that are not normalized in society are talking openly about Menstruation, money etc. As an organisation we will host talks, projects, fundraisers. 

Event 2

Let's begin the Dramebaazi!

31st July @6:30 pm - 8:30 pm IST

• Inauguration 
• Launch of Arts Leadership Council, WICCI
• The Creative Arts students Showcase
• The Creative Arts students' presentation with Berg Originals

Event 3

“Eavesdropping & Confessions” : Radio Jockeying and Podcast (USA & India)

Workshop on DIY Podcast by Michelle Rajan, Jimmy Tangree, Sunil Bhandari

31st July @ 9 pm - 10 pm IST

Age Group: 15+ years

Jimmy Tangree has been a Dj, MC & Voice Over since 1983 & into Radio Since 1994. From Rj to operations to setting up of Radio Stations across the Country and Abroad to strategizing and implementation of Content and Brand Connect.

Sunil Bhandari  is a poet disguised as a corporate executive. His book of poetry 'Of Love and Other Abandonments' was an Amazon bestseller. His second book 'Of journeys & Other Ways to Get Lost' is just out. His poetry podcast 'Uncut Poetry', is a huge hit.

Michelle Rajan is a rising fourth year student at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, USA. She is a pre-medicine student studying neuroscience and creative writing. She is the vice-president and a choreographer of her college's Bollywood dance team, Top Naach, as well as the manager of the college radio station, 91.7 fm WMUH Allentown. Michelle has been broadcasting music in a variety of languages (Hindi, Malayalam, Spanish, English) on her weekly radio show, "Continental Drift." 

Events for 1st August 2020

Event 4

“Shakespeare!” - Julia Giolzetti (Sofa Shakespeare) (USA)

‘An actor's workshop on Shakespeare analysis and performance!’

1st August @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am IST

Age Group: 15+ years

About Julia Giolzetti - She is a professional actor and teaching artist currently based in San Diego, California, USA. She received a BFA in Theatre from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. In her career, she has performed in 18 of the 37 plays in Shakespeare's canon, with favorite roles including Juliet, Lady Macbeth, Julius Caesar and more. She has performed in an immersive experience for the Amazon show The Expanse as part of Comic-Con 2019. 

Event 5

“Hallam Challam” - Ritika Sahni (India)

‘A rhythm -n rhyme workshop with original rhymes and songs. The children will also be taught sign language through song and dance in an affectionate, playful and fun ambiance.’ 

1st August @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am IST

Age Group: 5 - 7 years

Ritika Sahni has an interesting dual career dividing her time between playback singing, live stage shows and spearheading advocacy initiatives for Trinayani, the NGO for Disability Awareness she founded, where she also works as a Trainer and a Consultant in Disability Inclusion. A gold medalist from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, for a Master’s in music, she is also an actor, television host and a Producer of Creative Music of contrasting shades. During the last decade, Ritika has created volumes of Music for Children which work as great Fun-Learning Aid at Nursery Schools and Developmental Workshops and regularly conducts Rhythm and Rhyme Music Workshops in Schools and NGOs.

Event 6

“Kalaripayattu and You” - Arka Mukhopadhyay (India)

‘Mastering the basic moves of this ancient Indian martial art form.’

1st August @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am IST

Age Group: 10 -13 years

Arka Mukhopadhyay has been practicing theatre since 2003, Kalaripayattu since 2008, and Yoga since 2015. His performances have taken him all across India, Singapore and Europe. He has been a recipient of fellowships from the Inlaks Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. From 2006 onwards, he has worked with hundreds of children, young adults, youth and educators, in schools, NGOs and open workshops. At the moment, he practices as a presence and well-being coach and consultant.

Event 7

“Move it with Maryam!” - Maryam Malmir (Iran)

‘Contemporary Dance Workshop’

1st August @ 11:15 am - 12:45 pm IST

Age Group: 9 - 11 years

Maryam Malmir is a contemporary dancer and choreographer in Tehran, Iran. She has awarded ATSA,Arthink South Asia fellowship 2019-2020 India, Delhi and Bangalore, Attakkalari Centre for movement arts and ISPA, International Society for the Performing Arts, Global fellowship 2020.

Event 8

“Dancing the Earth” - Paramita Saha (India)

‘Movement Workshop - Exploring environmental themes through movement.’

1st August @ 11:15 am - 12:45 pm IST

Age Group: 12 -18 years

Paramita Saha is a performer, contemporary dancer and arts manager working out of Kolkata. She feels that arts can impact people deeply and therefore arts can build moving messages for social change for the present generation. She is an ArtThinkSouthAsia 2016 Fellow and a Global Fellow of International Society of Performing Arts 2018. 

Event 9

“Film Making Workshop” - Hamed Soleimanzadeh

‘How to make a Low Budget Film’

1st August @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm IST

Age Group: 12 - 20 years

Hamed Soleimanzadeh is a Film professor, Filmmaker and Film critic. He is also the Programmer for International film festival for children and youth in Iran.

Event 10

“1 cup of sugar & 2 cups of love” - Rubani Singh (India)

‘Baking with chitchat! Come join Rubani to learn how to make Rainbow Cupcakes while also interacting, sharing stories and experiences and talking about the Environment and Empathy.’

1st August @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm IST

Age Group: 5 - 11 years

Rubani Singh is an 18 year old Pastry Chef, who dropped out of school to follow her passion. She has completed her advanced diploma of pastry and bakery at the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts. As much as she loves making desserts, she prefers eating spicy over sweet.

Event 11

“Evoking Emotions through Music” - Soundarie David Rodrigo (Sri Lanka)

‘Songs with a message - Learn basic vocal technique and join us as we sing along virtually.’

1st August @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm IST

Age Group: 11 - 15 years

Soundarie is a Graduate, Pianist, Music Director, Attorney-At-Law, and Culture Specialist with specialized education in International Law and Intellectual Property Law, and over fifteen years experience at senior Management level. A Music Director and Pianist with over 500 performances locally and overseas. She has contributed towards the growth of music not only in Sri Lanka and the South Asian Region, but all over the world by also encouraging young musicians to develop a passion for music.

Event 12

“Unboxing the Voice Box” - Dana Lai Roy (India)

‘An interactive physical - vocal session where we learn to explore the workings of our own bodies to help enhance and support our voice whether we need to sing, act or elocute. Be sure to wear comfy clothing!’

1st August : 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm IST

Age Group: 15 - 18 years

Dana Roy has worked with theatre in schools for the past 18 years, reaching out to children and young people through schools, workshops, performances and by creating and curating arts outreach programmes for schools. An actor, singer, physical performer, director, production person, she has worked with many theatre companies, including Tin Can, The Red Curtain, and was a core group member of Ranan as well as part of its dance-theatre repertory for 6 years conducting the vocal workshops for the repertory actors and dancers. She is also a core group member of the Pickle Factory Dance Foundation, a hub for dance practice and discourse in Kolkata.

Event 13

“Puppetry for Television” - Lee Thompson (UK)

‘An insight into creating puppetry for video. Puppeteer Lee Thompson has created some videos to help create awareness of the themes 'Environment' and 'Empathy' and discusses his creative process and puppetry tips.’

1st August: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm IST

Age Group: 5 - 20years

Lee Thompson is a professional puppeteer who performs television style puppetry. Lee is a confident and energetic performer with a real attention to detail. Lee has experience with puppetry in adverts, corporate videos, sketches, website instructional demonstrations and music videos. 

Event 14

“Creative Drama” - Sarah Gordin (USA) 

‘She will be teaching creative drama focusing on the acting tools of body, voice, and imagination. Throughout the hour, movement games will be played, as well as improvisation games all focused around the festival theme of empathy and environment.’

1st August @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm IST 

Age group: (5 - 10 years)

Sarah Gordin is a Teaching Artist, Director, Writer, and Performer who attends Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA getting her BA in Directing/Acting. She has interned at the Rose Theatre in Omaha, where she taught virtually during the Pandemic, at the Civic Theatre of Allentown, Gas Lamp Players, and Broadway Workshop. She writes for On Stage Blog, was the coordinator for the theatre education outreach programs at Muhlenberg College and a performer in DanceMax Moving Company which was a touring original children’s theatre group across the Allentown area and Philadelphia.

Event 15

“Where do I belong?: Chat with Chai Webinar” - Muhlenberg TopNaach (USA) 

‘A virtual Cafe conversation with global youth about belonging in one's Country, Home and Art.’

1st August @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm IST

Age Group: 15+ years

Muhlenberg College’s South Asian dance and multicultural group. Our performances include Bollywood dance, Bhangra, Bharatanatyam and more. Additionally, we host events such as "Chat with Chai" to encourage conversations about the South Asian American experience. Through dance and dialogue, we hope to build a more inclusive, culturally-aware environment by participating in events at local schools and community organizations/events.

Event 16

“Berg Originals Performances” - Berg Originals Organization (USA)

‘Watch Performances from the Berg Originals community. All creatives and art forms are centered around Empathy and the Environment.’

1st August @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm IST

Age Group: 15+ years

Berg Originals was created by Alison Cummins and Sarah Gordin, who were missing creative spaces during quarantine. The organization hosts events once a week with a focus on various artistic genres, letting artists get the chance to showcase their work and receive feedback.

Events for 2nd August 2020

Event 17

“Story Quilt : Suno Suno Kahaani” - Gillo Gilheri (India) 

“Storytelling Performance and interactive session” - Barkha Fatnani and Swati Singh 

2nd August @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am IST

Age Group: 5 - 10years

Gillo Repertory - Theatre works in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), creating performing arts experiences that engage children and young adults with theatre in particular and the arts in general.

Barkha Fatnani has been an artist with Gillo Repertory theatre since 2015 and has performed in over 10 plays has been a drama facilitator with Gillo, as well as independently working with schools across Mumbai. 

Swati Singh started working in theatre for young audiences in 2017 with Gillo Repertory Theatre and has also performed in TYA plays by other Mumbai based groups. She has assisted in several workshops for children. 

Event 18 

“Kalaripayattu and You” - Arka Mukhopadhyay (India) 

‘Mastering the basic moves of this ancient Indian martial art form.’

2nd August @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am IST

Age Group: 14+ years

Arka Mukhopadhyay has been practicing theatre since 2003, Kalaripayattu since 2008, and Yoga since 2015. His performances have taken him all across India, Singapore and Europe. He has been a recipient of fellowships from the Inlaks Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. At the moment, he practices as a presence and well-being coach and consultant.

Event 19

“UnErase Poetry Panel Discussion and Performance” 

‘The rise of Poetry and Spoken Word in India.’

2nd August @ 11:15 am - 12:45 am IST

Age Group: 13+ years

Moderated by: Simar Singh 

Panelists: Taranjit Kaur, Ramneek Singh, Helly Shah

UnErase Poetry is a community based in Mumbai for promoting and producing Spoken Word, Poetry in Hindi and English. 

Event 20

“The Outsider” - Hamed Soleimanzadeh (Iran) 

‘Screening of a short film: “The Outsider directed by Adel Tabrizi and Iran Entezam, starring Mr. Hamed” followed by Q&A’

2nd August @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm IST

Age Group: 12 - 20 years

Hamed Soleimanzadeh is a Film professor, Filmmaker and Film critic. He is also the Programmer for International film festival for children and youth in Iran.

Event 21

“1 cup of sugar & 2 cups of love” - Rubani Singh (India)

‘Baking with chitchat! Learn how to make Churros with Chocolate Sauce while also interacting, sharing stories and experiences and talking about the Environment and Empathy.’

2nd August @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm IST

Age Group: 12 - 20 years

Rubani Singh is an 18 years old Pastry Chef, who dropped out of school to follow her passion. She has completed her advanced diploma of pastry and bakery at the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts. As much as she loves making desserts, she prefers eating spicy over sweet.

Event 22

‘Story of Granny Fenella’ : Imaginate Theatre Performance (UK)

‘Artists Christine Urquhart and Zoe Bullock will tell you the story of Granny Fenella over a series of three animated films to encourage creativity and connection through the imagination and letters, especially between children and isolated relatives.’

2nd August @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm IST

Age Group: 5 - 10 years

Imaginate is the national organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people. This is for more children in Scotland to experience work that is deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring.

Event 23

The Mystery of the Missing Ring - Play Performance by Theatre Lab (Youth) (India)

‘A Zoom Mystery Play with interaction and creativity.’

2nd August @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm IST

Age Group: 10 - 15years

Event 24

“Frankenstein Play Performance” - Rose Theatre (USA) 

‘During this session, we will be watching FRANKENSTEIN which runs approximately twenty-five minutes. Afterwards, the student artists as well the co-directors will answer questions about the process, digital medium and teen leadership.’

2nd August @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm IST

Age Group: 10+ years

The Rose Theater is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through live theater and arts education. The Rose Theater is home to the Omaha Theater Company- the only resident, touring, professional theater company in Omaha and one of the largest in the country.