Movements, wellness, psychology: Lakshmi Menon’s acting workshop wraps it all

When Lakshmi Menon was studying Theater Arts in college, she never imagined that acting and cinema would become integral to her life. It was only after she started taking acting seriously, beyond what she had studied, that she realised the importance of sharing this knowledge with others. Lakshmi chose to organise workshops to take her lessons to like-minded people. Her approach to these workshops is different from the usual acting classes — these provide the mental and physical prowess necessary to be a great performer.

Even though Lakshmi is a Keralite, her education was outside the state. She earned a degree in Theater from Christ University, Bangalore, and later studied Screen Acting at the Neo Film School. For over nine years, Lakshmi has been a vibrant presence in cinema, commercials, and theatre. She has also been organising acting workshops during this time. When she returned to Kochi during the COVID-19 pandemic, her mind was fully focused on acting. It was during this period that she realised cinema required her full attention and that honing her acting skills was crucial. This led her to dive into research. The insights she gained are what she shares through her workshops.

Lakshmi’s ‘Mukthi Acting Experience’ workshop is coming to Kerala for the first time. She has conducted acting workshops in various parts of India. So, what is the differentiator? Lakshmi says her workshops are not just about acting; these are holistic sessions aimed at enhancing mental strength from a wellness perspective. She notes that such practices are rarely found in typical acting workshops.

According to Lakshmi, acting is a process that needs deep mental involvement. It was during her time as a theatre artiste, after completing her studies, that she decided to transition into cinema. Lakshmi points out that many people consider film acting to be an easy task. She reiterates that it should be approached with seriousness and dedication.

“In cinema, acting is not the only thing we need to focus on or understand. When you step onto a film set, you are surrounded by cameras, lights, and a whole team of people. You are transitioning from familiar environments into a new, dynamic space. I learned through experience that you can't just rely on acting alone to stand out in that setting. Cinema is a world full of possibilities and there's so much to learn. Everyone aspires to act in films, but few are willing to dedicate time to studying and mastering the art form. There are many talented individuals among us, but the main reason they don't reach the mainstream is the lack of proper guidance or mentorship. That's the purpose of these workshops — to refine the knowledge we have through intensive practice and to continuously strive to learn more,” says Lakshmi.

Lakshmi Menon introduces a fresh concept, even for those familiar with acting workshops. With her background in Theater Arts combined with Psychology, Lakshmi believes that acting is closely linked to our mental health. “To act means to be mentally prepared as well. In my workshops, whether someone is an actor, dancer, or from any other field, the training they receive prepares them to delve deep into their craft. Through the classes, participants gain more experience,” says Lakshmi. It was during her studies in Psychology that she realised the importance of these aspects and inspired her to create this distinctive approach.

“What I believe is that 'Art is healing.' Any form of art provides a sense of relief and well-being. That's why we need to incorporate some health aspects into it. In my classes, I include breathing exercises and movements. This helps us achieve a greater sense of physical and mental alertness. We can fine-tune our body and mind as one cohesive unit. Through these wellness workshops, my aim is to enhance the innate talents people have by stimulating them further. For those who take acting seriously, I hope this approach will resonate and be something they can easily grasp,” says Lakshmi.
You can also be a part of Lakshmi's upcoming acting workshop, which will be held on August 24 at ‘Feel Home,’ an art space, in Fort Kochi.