Drama is an Artistic Form involving dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage or other platform in front of an audience. It uses combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound, spectacle or any one or more elements of the other performing arts to bring forth a work of art. Drama Careers in India have not been, much pursued one’s as they cater to only a select audiences whose numbers are decreasing day by day. Exclusive career option in drama is not enough to make a decent or even a living. Drama or theatre is more of a part time passion or profession. Therefore, drama artistes have to substantiate their income from other sources of entertainment or their other preferred mode of employment. Drama, none the less is a great teacher for budding actors or performers. Skills acquired in this field are transferable skills. These skills can and are utilised effectively in other popular formats of entertainment. Various Drama Forms include narrative dialogue plays, musicals, opera, ballet, Illusion, mime, classical dance, kabuki, mummers' plays, improvisational theatre, stand-up comedy, pantomime and other Non-conventional forms. Drama is akin to Acting but has a different platform which is restricted to theatre, radio, or television. As a subject of study or discipline, its curricula is alien to Academic or Critical Studies. Drama Studies include learning about the history and theory of dramatic literature in addition to studying plays and playwrights. Artists who participate in these arts in front of an audience are called performers, including actors, comedians, dancers, musicians, and singers. Drama or Plays are used in conjunction with Theatre or Theatrical studies which has a technical background rather than dramatic one.

  • BA (Hons.) Drama

    Bachelor of Arts Honors in Drama

    Total Colleges: 3

  • BA Drama

    Bachelor of Arts in Drama

    Total Colleges: 7

  • BPA in Theatre Arts

    Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre

    Total Colleges: 7

  • M.A (Indian Theatre)

    Master of Arts in Indian Theatre

    Total Colleges: 3

  • MA Dramatics

    Master of Arts in Dramatics

    Total Colleges: 8

  • MPA Drama

    Master of Performing Arts in Drama

    Total Colleges: 9

  • MPA Theatre Arts

    Master of Performing Arts in Theatre Arts

    Total Colleges: 7

  • Ph.D. (Dramatics)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Dramatics

    Total Colleges: 4

  • Ph.D. (Indian Theatre)

    Doctor of Philosophy in Indian Theatre

    Total Colleges: 3

  • Some of its specialized fields are -

    • Acting
    • Directing
    • Producing
    • Scripting

    Drama Course Content

    The study of these fields includes all or few of these –

    • Basic Performance Skills
    • Voice, Speech and Music
    • Theatre History and Aesthetics
    • Theatre Techniques and Design

    Objectives

    • To develop artistic imagination, technical proficiency and critical skills
    • Commitment to excellence and innovation
    • To develop and use analytical skills communication skills to optimum level

    Drama Course: Basic Requirements

    Drama is skill based discipline and those interested in performance require no formal education. But to sharpen these skills and to use them to the hilt, certain amount of training is required. An educated drama actor will have a competitive edge and insight in the areas of theatre history, performance styles and acting technique. Educational wise candidates should have completed +2 or equivalent examination in any stream or discipline.

    Few prominent Drama schools in India

    Though there are many acting schools in India which provide training in drama and or theatre. The exclusive drama institute in India is National School of Drama which provides a 3 year full-time diploma course. It is the only one of its kind in India. Some non exclusive ones are mentioned below.

    Personal attributes – You need to have strong passion for acting to become successful stage actor. One should be versatile not only in dramatics but also in utilising dramatic skills in other areas where they can be utilised in direct or indirect manner. Patience, perseverance, and stamina are also required to endure all sorts of challenges. Applauds and brickbats are inevitable especially when it come to theatrical performances, that is why one should be enduring enough to take criticism and handle appreciation humbly. Other attributes include versatility, expressive face, stage presence and creativity.

    Job Perspectives

    Drama Careers in India are far and few. It can be pursued as a part time career because there aren’t much avenues for direct employment. The work may not be stationary and one may not get permanent positions. Only a select few with determination, talent, discipline and luck may be able to support themselves full time. Since, dramatic skills are transferrable, one can make a decent living from employment in any area of the entertainment industry. These areas include TV, film, radio, journalism, teaching etc. Stage actors are good at public speaking, communication and presentational skills. This offers them a lot of opportunities which require such skills, like making announcements at public venues, giving commentary at any event, acting as speaker for political parties, writing scripts, taking interviews at office, performing public relation tasks, reporting for a news channel and so on. Others can initiate their business by establishing performance companies and projects. Graduates can find employment in repertory, fringe theatre and alternative performance arts venues. Some are in charge of event operations as they have the requisite while others get employed in event promotions.

    Remuneration

    The salary can be  from Rs. 8,000 to Rs.15,000 for fresher’s and increases with the persons experience and knowledge

    Employment Areas in field of Drama

    • Theatre
    • Opera
    • Movie Production Houses
    • Acting Institutes
    • Drama Workshops
    • Television Shows
    • Talent Shows
    • Advertisement Industry
    • Drama Academies
    • Workshops
    • Advertising Agencies
    • Event Organisations

    Job Types

    • Director
    • Comedian
    • Commentator
    • Drama/Speech Coach
    • Event Planner
    • Magician
    • Motivational Speaker
    • Performing Arts Publicist
    • Dramatist
    • Puppeteers
    • Screen Writer
    • Technical Writer
    • Television and Radio Reporter
    • Voice Over Artist
    • Artistic Director
    • Drama Teacher
    • Researcher
    • Drama Critic
    • Actor
    • Show Hosts
    • Radio Jockey