Bringing out the actor in you virtually
The pandemic changed a lot of things. Overnight, isolation and lockdown became a new, terrifying reality. Social interactions, work, and learning moved online. Even though the worst seems to be over now, we still have to restrict our social interactions to keep loved ones safe. So online activities seem to be the safe way forward.
Biman Wimalaratne
“Whether it’s the pandemic or something else, we cannot keep making excuses – we must move forward. This is the only way to rise up from where we are, as individuals and as a country,” says Biman Wimalaratne, actor and performance coach. ‘Acting with Biman’ offers not just those interested in performing, but also everyday folk, a boost in mental health, wellbeing, overall competence, and capability, bringing about opportunities.
An online acting class might be just what someone trapped at home needs.
“I wouldn’t have thought of an online acting class before this pandemic,” Biman says. His classes include Lankan and international students.
“The pandemic showed us just how much we need, or just how essential, entertainment and the arts are to our lives. Music and film may have kept a lot of people sane during this unpredictable time.
“For those who dare to act, have the warm feeling in their heart and the twinkle in their eyes, we help take your talent to the next level. Whether it’s kids from 4 to 16, or you’re an adult or grandparent and want to have fun expressing personality, grow confidence, empathy and communication, we can help you
do that.”
Like most thespians, Biman too started with acting in school. At S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, he was president of the Dramsoc, and studied under Nirmali Hettiarachchi and the late Vinodh Senadheera. Then he branched off into studying Robotics and Commerce at Sydney University, before having a change of heart and taking up acting studies.
“We work with professionals, creatives, corporates, even politicians, looking to take their career to the next level – work on your speech, presentation, tone, message and delivery.
“One of our kids, who happened to drop in for her first class with a friend, went from too shy to talk to playing lead roles in top amateur shows in Colombo, and went to Australia to pursue performing arts.
“Rehan Mudannayake was already a filmmaker and working in the commercial circuit in town when he joined my classes. He went on to secure his debut role in film, the first time he ever acted amateur or professional outside of our classes, going straight into Academy Award Nominee Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy,” says Biman.
“We have kids and adults who come into our classes that go from being a person struggling to express themselves, hiding in the corner, to the person leading the meeting. Whether it’s the playground or the boardroom, there’s a place for everyone. And there’s value and power in having a say – a choice, in which role you choose to play. We empower people to do that.”
To reach out to Biman head to the following link -
https://www.bimankw.com/
(NA)