The only drama school of the State, Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD), providing formal training to the aspirants lacks proper infrastructure. Moreover, the certificate provided to the students is of no use as even four years after its opening, it has not affiliated with any renowned institute.
For youngsters today, theatre has become a medium of entering into entrainment industry. Providing a platform to learn the art since four years, MPSD is still struggling to train the students with advanced facilities.
At the time of its introduction, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other dignitaries had claimed that this would be developed as one of its kind in the country. However, in past four years, the institute could not move any step ahead.
Director of MPSD Sanjay Upadhay, while talking to The Pioneer again claimed that there are several things in the pipeline. “We are planning to include a graduation course, a diploma course and many other short term courses at MPSD soon. Also a proper infrastructure will be provided for which things are in process,” he said. However, he failed to provide any concrete information as when all the plans would be materialised.
It is said that theatre is for everyone and youngsters especially are taking much interest to make a career in theatre. Though, students from across the country are applying at MPSD to learn the theatre art. Recently, students from 12 States have applied at MPSD and are receiving a formal training to enhance their skills. But, the only drama school of the State is still applying traditional form of studies.
But, the authorities are keeping the fingers crossed that the advanced facilities will be introduced soon by the Government to the drama school.
Director of MPSD, Sanjay Upadhyay further said, “We have been receiving applications from across the country. This year we have received almost 400 applications which is something really great for MPSD”. He said, “MPSD has recently reached a height where its students are being recognized with the institution’s name. It is a big achievement for MPSD in the past four years,” he said.
“If we talk about the infrastructure, it will be provided soon. A proper staff will be appointed and proper courses will be launched soon. This is our future endeavours.” he added.
While informing about the countrywide selection criteria of the students, Upadhyay said, “There is a proper selection criteria. 60 per cent applications are selected from the State and 40 per cent from other states. Recently we have students from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, Punjab, Chandigarh, Bengal and of course, Madhya Pradesh.”
The theatre industry now has changed much and with the changing time people are accepting this art, he added. “The only thing I would say that youngsters should have patients to learn and have a proper focus towards their aim,” Upadhyay added.