Certificate in Acting Programme, 2024

Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation (LCYTF)
Established in 1981 by the late Somalatha Subasinghe, the Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation (LCYTF) is dedicated to fostering theatre productions and performances designed for children and youth. Together with its theatre production and training arm, the Somalatha Subasinghe Play House, it serves as a hub for actor training and research in theatre studies. Since its inception, the institution has curated a range of theatre productions tailored for children and youth, with a primary focus on musical theatre. It has also produced acclaimed mainstream art theatre productions showcased both locally and internationally. In recognition of its contributions, the institution was formally incorporated by Parliament under Act No. 3 of 2007, solidifying its status as the premier institution for children’s and youth theatre productions in Sri Lanka.

Introduction
The programme aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge and skills in acting, directing, scriptwriting, and dance/musical theatre. It provides comprehensive training in acting for stage, television, and cinema; scriptwriting and analysis; directing; movement; and vocal training. Participants will have the opportunity to learn free and structured movements, posture, body flexibility, physical balance, vocal training, pronunciation, voice projection, improvisation, plotting scenes, and more.

To Whom
The programme is open to individuals aged seventeen and above who possess a passion for theatre and a willingness to fully commit to the training. Ambition and dedication are essential qualities for candidates, who will be selected through interviews conducted either in person at Somalatha Subasinghe Play House, 166/1, Parliament Road, Kumbukgahaduwa, Kotte, or virtually.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of acting for stage, television, and cinema; dancing and free and structured movements; script and character analysis; plotting and scene development; vocal training, voice projection, pronunciation, and improvisation.

Resource Persons
The programme is led by Kaushalya Fernando, an internationally trained actor and trainer who has won international awards and is renowned for her performances in cinema. She is supported by Prasanna Mahagamage, Mayura Perera, and Nilanka Dahanayaka, who provide expertise in acting, directing, and script analysis and development. Each resource person brings extensive national and international experience in actor training.

Chandana Aluthge conducts sessions on structured and free movements as well as voice projection. Screen acting training is facilitated by Thisara Imbulana, a young and promising film director and scriptwriter. Additional sessions are conducted by other professional artists specializing in various fields.

Duration and Schedule
The programme spans eight months and includes thirty-two in-class sessions held weekly. Classes are typically conducted on Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Depending on participants’ convenience, sessions may also be scheduled on public holidays if required.

The programme begins annually in the second week of January. Participants are requested to bring their own refreshments and wear attire suitable for training sessions.

Fee
The programme fee is Rs. 65,000 per participant, payable in full upon registration. Participants facing financial constraints may opt to pay Rs. 45,000 upfront and settle the remaining balance in two equal instalments within the first two months of the programme.

Certification by the Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation will only be granted to participants who fulfill financial obligations and attendance requirements.

Venue
Sessions are held at the Lion’s Club Hall, Jayanthipura Main Road, Battaramulla.