Colombo Dream School (CDS), a Performing and Visual Arts school, recently held a remarkable student showcase, concluding its first-ever Theatre Playroom workshop. This event marked the culmination of a programme offered through the CDS Skills Garage series, a collection of 4-week workshops designed to equip students with performanceready skills in a condensed time frame. CDS fosters a vibrant space for artistic exploration of all disciplines, offering programmes suited to a wide range of needs and age groups, from enthusiastic young minds as young as 5 years old to passionate adults.

Whether you’re looking to refine existing skills, delve deeper into a specific artistic discipline, or simply embark on a journey of creative discovery, CDS has something for everyone. The programmes encompass a variety of interests, including acting and theatre, poetry, singing, dance, music and much more to come. The inaugural Theatre Playroom workshop, designed for students aged 5-10, culminated in a captivating showcase that served as a testament to the student’s artistic talents and newfound confidence. These talented young performers, brimming with enthusiasm, captivated the audience with their portrayal of various characters and stories developed over four weeks of workshops. The energy and dedication they poured into their performance was truly inspiring.

Rihaab Mowlana, Principal and Co-Founder of Colombo Dream School, is a strong advocate for the benefits of Performing Arts education. “I firmly believe in the transformative power of Performing arts education,” says Mowlana. “These programmes foster creativity, improve communication skills, and boost self-confidence. It’s truly gratifying to witness parents recognising the value of these skills beyond traditional academics, and to see their children blossoming and thriving.” Mowlana also emphasises the significance of the showcase, highlighting the students’ ingenuity and creativity after just eight short sessions.

“The workshop process involved the students in every step, from script development to character portrayal. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalised attention and support. This dedication to quality and a hands-on approach is why parents entrust us with their children’s artistic development.” Parents whose children participated in the Skills Garage workshop echoed Mowlana’s sentiments. Eranga Goonewardena shared, “We wanted to find a suitable programme for our daughter because she was shy and she is a girl who only socialised with known people.

She doesn’t move with those she doesn’t know, so we felt this workshop would be ideal, and we were not wrong. It was a fantastic programme. Her communication skills have improved quite a lot. And I can also see that her confidence has been boosted. And one more thing I must mention, she had a lot of fun. She calls this the fun class.” Dru Chandrasekera also expressed her delight, stating, “My son has not been the most forward or forthcoming person in terms of these skills like acting. I couldn’t find a place which I liked or assumed would do this for him, and today’s performance was an eye-opener.

He has done plays in school but there are lots of kids, and individual attention is not given to the kids the way we like. And here I was pleasantly surprised! He was hiding his script from me, working with the father, rehearsing his lines and then he said he made a costume as well. The fact that they had done everything by themselves also surprised me. And especially my son, who is very fast and is not very coordinated, I can see a stark improvement now and I am really really happy.” Colombo Dream School recognises that creative journeys take many forms and offers a range of programmes designed to ignite your passion and take you a step closer to achieving your artistic aspirations.

Want to learn or refine specific skills? The CDS Skills Garage offers focused 4-week workshops designed to deepen your understanding, hone your technique, and elevate your creative expression in a short time frame. Craving a deeper dive? The CDS Skills Lab provides a 12-week intensive programme where you can delve into and experiment with a chosen creative skill. If you’re looking for personalised mentorship and guidance from industry experts, CDS’s Masterclasses offer a one-day curated experience packed with mentorship and learning.

For those seeking a more structured study in Performing Arts, CDS will soon introduce year-long programmes accredited by Trinity College London, launching in October 2024, for ages 5 - 16. No matter your goals or preferred pace, Colombo Dream School has a programme to help you flourish. To discover the programme that perfectly aligns with your artistic aspirations, visit their website at https://www.colombodreamschool.com. Stay updated on their latest offerings by following them on social media @colombodreamschool. Join the Colombo Dream School community and embark on your creative journey today!