MISFiT to host Begin to Believe, an acting workshop, in Bengaluru

Vishal Nayer and the troupe of MISFit
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Have you ever wanted to act but felt like you did not have what it takes? Begin to Believe, an acting workshop by Bengaluru-based Vishal Nayer, is all about banishing those notions.

A six-weekend course, Begin to Believe will make acting accessible for everyone — from beginners to those looking to reconnect with the love of performing.

A hobby transformed

For Vishal Nayer, acting was something he found while working in the software industry. In 2007, he was searching for an acting course that could fit into his work schedule when he discovered MISF!T (My Interest Stays Firmly in Theatre), an acting studio founded by Ratan Thakore Grant in Bengaluru.

“Ratan founded this acting studio in 2001, in the belief that anyone could act,” says Vishal. “His aim was to keep it language-free. MISF!T wasn’t about learning lines and delivering them well, but about making acting inclusive. There were no fixed languages and people from all walks of life came together to learn, grow, and perform.

Unlike conventional BFA or MFA programs which take two to three years, Ratan structured the courses in a way that made learning effortless yet profound. “Ratan used to teach in an easy way, with course content spread over two hours for two to three months. It was later revamped into a more structured weekend course,” says Vishal, who attended multiple Level 1 and Level 2 courses at MISF!T.

Vishal Nayer
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Soon, his interest grew from a hobby to a passion, and he was assisting Ratan in directing, mentoring students, and conducting workshops in schools and communities.

“Ratan always encouraged me to teach. That made me take up this responsibility and continue his legacy after he passed away in 2021. I also felt that I should give something back to society, and that’s what made all of us renew MISF!T, which almost shut shop during the pandemic.”

Perks of going on stage

In 2022, Vishal decided to design a course to help address issues that most actors faced with their craft. He called it Level 2.1, which later became Begin to Believe.

“There are two levels in Begin to Believe. While Level One is about the fun of acting, where you learn the foundations, Level Two focuses on advanced acting techniques.”

The upcoming workshop is a Level One and participants who complete the workshop, become a part of the MISF!T community, Vishal says. “The specialty of this community is its vibrancy. It’s a family of craft lovers, inspired by the legacy of Ratan Thakore Grant.”

Anudeep Yegireddy, founder of a startup in the city, who was in Begin to Believe’s Level One batch in 2024, says the session honed more than his acting skills. “The workshop taught me acting, and acting taught me empathy. Not the fake kind where you mimic, but the real sort where you see the beauty in people. Now, I am less afraid to be foolish and am more observant of others.”

“Even at work, I build better products because I now empathise with users instead of forcing my ideas on them. Most importantly, I have become less apprehensive of people and am learning to enjoy the company of others.”

The next batch of Begin to Believe commences on March 22 and will be held at TRIBHER, Koramangala. Call 77382 76736 to register.