The much-awaited Natrang Summer Theatre Camp for Children – 2025, renowned as the region’s premier professionally designed creative training event, was inaugurated today at the Natrang Studio Theatre, Jammu. The event began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Padmashri Balwant Thakur, Director of Natrang.
Internationally acclaimed for his work across over 100 countries, Balwant Thakur has curated the module for this camp, drawing from his rich experiences at prestigious institutions like Oxford Summer School and Cambridge Children’s Theatre. His vision ensures that the camp meets global standards in training methodology, structure, and impact.
What sets this theatre camp apart is its unique focus—not just on performing arts but also on holistic development. The programme nurtures children’s social and emotional intelligence, critical thinking, public speaking skills, and empathy, while fostering self-confidence and creativity.
The camp is being conducted under the direction of Sumeet Sharma, a National Award-winning theatre director, along with Neeraj Kant, Gauri Thakur, and Balwant Thakur himself. A committed team including Mohd. Yaseen, Kananpreet Kaur, and Kartik Kumar will ensure the smooth facilitation of all activities.
Since the inception of its Children’s Theatre Wing in 1990, Natrang has conducted annual Summer, Spring, and Winter Theatre Workshops, training over 5,000 children to date. Many of these young trainees have gone on to excel in diverse professional fields, a testament to the transformative power of theatre in personal development.
Recognizing the extended availability of children during summer vacations, Natrang dedicates this time exclusively to theatre training—offering a fun-filled, creative space that unlocks children’s hidden talents and enhances their personalities.
As part of the Summer Camp 2025, participants will also prepare a full-length theatre production, which will be presented to larger audiences towards the end of the camp. This annual highlight gives children a platform to showcase their learning and talent in front of appreciative audiences.
In addition to theatre training, the camp incorporates allied creative disciplines including cartooning, yoga, visual arts, and dance, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to multiple art forms.
The training module is continually upgraded with innovative techniques developed by experts like Sumeet Sharma, who brings over 25 years of experience in working with children. Special emphasis is placed on developing communication skills, public speaking, and building confidence through contemporary theatre practices.
Natrang’s children’s theatre productions—such as Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai, Aap Hamare Hain Kaun, Hum Hain Na, and Udaan—are considered benchmarks in Indian children’s theatre. Notably, Aap Hamare Hain Kaun has been translated and performed internationally in French, English, and Creole, further underscoring Natrang’s global impact.