The Future School of Performing Arts has opened at the Chowgule campus in Gogol, providing students with exciting new opportunities in music, theatre, and dance
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY
Looking to unlock your creativity? The Future School of Performing Arts has expanded into Goa with a new location at the Chowgule Education Complex, Margao. In partnership with Chowgule EduInitiatives, the school provides students with opportunities to explore and grow in their creative passions.
Co-founded by Antara Ashra as a dance school in Mumbai in 2015, the Future School of Performing Arts was built with a vision to present a platform for artistic expression. Initially focused on dance, the school has now collaborated with the Chowgule Centre to showcase a wide range of creative and performing arts.
Chief academic officer with nearly 25 years of experience, Nilesh Thomas will guide the Future School of Performing Arts. He has previously directed the International College of Music in Kuala Lumpur and was dean at the True School of Music in Mumbai.
Thomas says that their mission is to establish a knowledge hub for the creative arts, both in India and globally. “Goa, with its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, offers an ideal setting for this vision. The state is brimming with musical, theatrical, and dancing talent, yet many hesitate to pursue these passions as careers, often believing that there are limited opportunities. We aim to change that perception by showing the public that a career in the performing and creative arts is not only viable but also deeply fulfilling.”
The school will focus on growing the local arts community and attracting talent from around the world. “It will use Goa’s cultural diversity and artistic traditions to provide a rich educational experience in all forms of art,” says Thomas.
The school also acknowledges the increasing importance of the arts in an era where AI is replacing traditional jobs. He says, “Artistic careers, requiring uniquely human creativity, emotional expression, and cultural storytelling, are likely to remain essential in the future.”
The Future School of Performing Arts will begin with professional certificate courses in music production and sound engineering, with plans to add dance and theatre programmes soon. It’s aimed at students who have completed Class 10 or 12 and want to pursue careers in music, as well as graduates and postgraduates looking to enter the performing arts.
The current courses include a Certificate in Music Programming, an Advanced Certificate in Music Production, and a Professional Certificate in Music Composition. Also, students can pursue a Certificate in Audio Technology, an Advanced Certificate in Sound Design, and a Professional Certificate in Live Sound & Show Production.
The response from prospective students and creative arts professionals in Goa has been encouraging. They currently have 12 students, nearly half of whom are from Goa.
“The curriculum will cover key subjects and provide practical advice for succeeding in these fields. From the beginning, the school will help students align their interests with their career goals to achieve their dreams,” explains Thomas.
He adds that the school believes its success comes from encouraging creativity, individuality, and innovation. Thomas says, “We teach music production, dance, and theatre by combining traditional methods with modern technology. This means we use basic techniques along with new tools and software to give students a well-rounded education. For example, we teach music composition using digital audio workstations, use online platforms for remote collaboration, and apply video and graphic software to improve storytelling in performances.”
The school’s strengths, he says, include a collaborative environment where students from different areas learn together, strong industry connections that provide internships and real-world experience, and a focus on staying up-to-date with industry trends.
Thomas adds that at Future School, their goal is to become a leading institution in performing arts education in India. “We plan to offer skill certification through an affiliation with the Media & Entertainment Skills Council and develop international partnerships for degree programmes. Our offerings will include DJ courses, contemporary dance programmes, and theatre arts studies,” he says.
They will also create performing arts education programs for K-12, assisting schools in Goa and across India in fulfilling the NEP 2020 mandate for arts education.
A starry future
The Artistic Career & Entrepreneurship Incubation Team (ACE-IT) at the school supports students on their artistic journey by providing essential tools and resources to help them thrive in the creative industries. These include:
Career guidance: ACE-IT offers personalised career counselling, helping students to define their artistic goals, craft a compelling resume and portfolio, and develop audition and interview techniques.
Entrepreneurship training: This equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the business side of the arts. Workshops cover topics like marketing yourself as an artist, creating a business plan, and securing funding.
Industry networking: ACE-IT promotes connections between students, alumni, and industry professionals. Workshops, masterclasses, and networking events are organised to provide students with mentorship opportunities.
Project incubation: For students with entrepreneurial ambitions, ACE-IT offers project incubation support by aiding in developing artistic concepts, refining business models, and connecting with potential collaborators and investors.
Featured Events
The Goa Hiking Association is organising a State-Level Trekking and Adventure Camp from December 26 to 30 at Tamdi Surla, Dharbandora. Activities will include trekking in the Western Ghats, rock climbing, river crossing, and more. Details: 8600572050 / 9822984848 / Pramodkamat107@gmail.com. Registration deadline: December 15. (Image used for representational purposes only)
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Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
