'Communication skills will help children become well-rounded and confident citizens'
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in UK offering vocational training for actors, stage managers, technicians, directors and designers. Its alumni include Dominic Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and Ruth Wilsonand. LAMDA examinations also provide a pathway in the study of language, literature and confidence in communications. Linda Macrow, chief examiner of LAMDA, who was in Noida earlier this month spoke to Meenakshi Sinha on the importance of art, music and drama.
What is your India visit about?
I’m the chief examiner for LAMDA examinations which provide assessments and qualifications in communication and performance subjects. LAMDA examinations and drama school are part of LAMDA. I, and some of my colleagues are visiting Delhi to deliver courses for teachers who are going to be using our syllabi in their schools and will be offering the opportunity for their students to take our exam. The training courses are two weeks in duration where teachers are assessed at the conclusion. They are perfect for all teachers who have a love for language and literature and a passion to empower young people through confident communications.
How many centres of LAMDA are there in India with how many students enrolled so far?
There are now over ten registered centres for LAMDA exams in India. We are heading into our busiest time so we will have a good idea soon of how many students will be taking an exam, but we are hoping for a record year.
What has been the response from these centres in India?
A number of schools and teachers in India have been using LAMDA examinations for many years and their enthusiasm, professionalism and diligence in the preparation of their students has always been admirable. We are noticing a significant increase in the number of schools, teachers and students wanting to get involved with or take a LAMDA exam, due to a growing awareness of the need for effective and confident communication skills, and excellent English language skills.
How do you see Indian performing and dramatic arts scenes today?
I’ve been told it’s fantastic. However, I am meeting so many people who, like me, value the arts and recognise the importance and the transformative power of culture and the performing arts.
Which Indian artist you consider as an international talent?
From speaking to my fellow examiners who meet learners across India and the teachers, I understand that there are some very talented students in India. Not everyone who studies for and takes a LAMDA examination wants to become an actor. Many learners simply want to develop their communication and English language skills. LAMDA examinations in drama and communications inspire people to become confident, authentic communicators and discover their own voice.
How do you see career prospects in music and dramatic arts today, especially for Indian students?
Never before have there been more opportunities for young people to become involved in the arts whether on stage, screen or audio. In some respects the world is becoming a smaller place day-by-day and I believe that there is huge potential for Indian students to make their personal mark in dance, drama and music.
How do you see these creative fields from the standpoint of career prospects with respect to both the Indian set-up and globally?
Sharing knowledge and love of the spoken word through studying communication skills will help our children to become well-rounded and confident citizens. Winning a place at university, medical school or law school often relies on a successful interview, and in a retail situation listening and asking what a customer wants is fundamental to a successful business. Many of the young learners that my fellow LAMDA examiners assess will grow up to take up leadership roles in business, industry, politics or the creative arts, where the ability to guide, inspire and instruct through speeches, keynotes, lectures and presentations will be a necessity. This is relevant to every young person wherever in the world they live.
What are LAMDA’s future plans for India and worldwide?
Everyone at LAMDA believes that every young person should have the opportunity to enjoy the learning and confidence building that can be gained through the study of language and communications. LAMDA will continue to develop robust and challenging courses and qualifications that will be relevant to all young people wherever in the world they live and study.
What is your India visit about?
I’m the chief examiner for LAMDA examinations which provide assessments and qualifications in communication and performance subjects. LAMDA examinations and drama school are part of LAMDA. I, and some of my colleagues are visiting Delhi to deliver courses for teachers who are going to be using our syllabi in their schools and will be offering the opportunity for their students to take our exam. The training courses are two weeks in duration where teachers are assessed at the conclusion. They are perfect for all teachers who have a love for language and literature and a passion to empower young people through confident communications.
How many centres of LAMDA are there in India with how many students enrolled so far?
There are now over ten registered centres for LAMDA exams in India. We are heading into our busiest time so we will have a good idea soon of how many students will be taking an exam, but we are hoping for a record year.
What has been the response from these centres in India?
A number of schools and teachers in India have been using LAMDA examinations for many years and their enthusiasm, professionalism and diligence in the preparation of their students has always been admirable. We are noticing a significant increase in the number of schools, teachers and students wanting to get involved with or take a LAMDA exam, due to a growing awareness of the need for effective and confident communication skills, and excellent English language skills.
How do you see Indian performing and dramatic arts scenes today?
I’ve been told it’s fantastic. However, I am meeting so many people who, like me, value the arts and recognise the importance and the transformative power of culture and the performing arts.
Which Indian artist you consider as an international talent?
From speaking to my fellow examiners who meet learners across India and the teachers, I understand that there are some very talented students in India. Not everyone who studies for and takes a LAMDA examination wants to become an actor. Many learners simply want to develop their communication and English language skills. LAMDA examinations in drama and communications inspire people to become confident, authentic communicators and discover their own voice.
How do you see career prospects in music and dramatic arts today, especially for Indian students?
Never before have there been more opportunities for young people to become involved in the arts whether on stage, screen or audio. In some respects the world is becoming a smaller place day-by-day and I believe that there is huge potential for Indian students to make their personal mark in dance, drama and music.
How do you see these creative fields from the standpoint of career prospects with respect to both the Indian set-up and globally?
Sharing knowledge and love of the spoken word through studying communication skills will help our children to become well-rounded and confident citizens. Winning a place at university, medical school or law school often relies on a successful interview, and in a retail situation listening and asking what a customer wants is fundamental to a successful business. Many of the young learners that my fellow LAMDA examiners assess will grow up to take up leadership roles in business, industry, politics or the creative arts, where the ability to guide, inspire and instruct through speeches, keynotes, lectures and presentations will be a necessity. This is relevant to every young person wherever in the world they live.
What are LAMDA’s future plans for India and worldwide?
Everyone at LAMDA believes that every young person should have the opportunity to enjoy the learning and confidence building that can be gained through the study of language and communications. LAMDA will continue to develop robust and challenging courses and qualifications that will be relevant to all young people wherever in the world they live and study.
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