Shihara Dias
This week we meet Shihara. This beautiful lady is a drama teacher. It’s very rare that we see a girl, of such young age taking interest in that field. Shihara thanks her parents for influencing her to fulfill her dreams. It’s they who identified her talents and aspirations. Therefore they encouraged her.
Let’s take a closer look at Shihara’s life
Full name : Shihara Dias Bandaranayake
Nickname : Shi
Education in brief : Past pupil of Holy Cross College, Gampaha. ATCL (Teaching in Speech and Drama- Sri Lankan prize winner 2007), PC (TCL)/LAMDA GOLD MEDAL/AIWMS (Western Music)/ CIMA Passed Finalist.
Life’s motto : Hard work becomes easy when your work becomes your play.
Years active in drama and teaching : Active in drama since I was just a toddler of 4 years. Examiner of Speech and Drama for the Institute of Music Speech and Speaking skills since 2010
Life's biggest achievement : When my Verse Speaking Group was selected as the Best Group out of the Best Performers at the Sri Lanka Festival for the Performing Arts 2013.
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Q : Shihara, what's your favourite drama and how has it influenced your life?
My favourite is “Two” by Jim Cartwright. I’m, to this date, fascinated on how the dramatist has condensed all the different personalities in this universe in to one single night in a pub. At a very young age I was able to learn about people and their ways. Thanks to this play even now, when I have to face challenges in dealing with people I turn to this play for guidance. And it always works like a charm.
Q : Congrats on your new married life. So is your better half a fan of your work?
Of course my husband is a big fan and I know that since he comments, argues. He gives his opinion regarding my work and teaching. He gives me his utmost support when I organise my talent shows. He remembers every detail after a show and makes it his duty to appreciate it or give constructive criticism regarding each and every segment of it. I feel he’s very thoughtful and encouraging.
Q : Your husband?
I find him to be a very creative person. He was once a member of the national school gymnastic team in Sri Lanka and even worked as a coach for a brief period. Therefore creativity is his forte too. I take his advice on my creative projects seriously especially when I try out new things with the students for Performing Arts Festivals since they make a lot of sense.
Q : You are young. Is that a downfall when it comes to teaching?
Definitely not a downfall but yes, I’ve had my share of embarrassments. Very often when I start a new class, the parents do not identify me as the teacher. I have to give a long description of my career to instill confidence in them that I won’t let their children down. But, their confidence in me is at its peak virtually after the first couple of classes. I train teachers and students for higher exams as well. With a humble sense of pride, I may mention that I was successful in guiding my first student to secure a LAMDA Gold Medal qualification when I was just 24.
I really appreciate the confidence the student and her parents placed upon me when they selected me as their coach at this tender age of mine. I have now 3 LAMDA Gold Medalists to my credit. I remember once when I attended an award ceremony of one of my higher grade students, the organisers requested me to take a seat in the area allocated for the students. Also when examining, I have gone through so many funny experiences of this nature.
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Q : In your view, how does the industry look in Sri Lanka in terms of quality and adaptation?
In my opinion, the Sri Lankan standards of coaching are very high. This is considering the fact that English is only a second language for us. This is quite evident from the abilities and talents displayed by our young students at Sri Lanka Festival for the Performing Arts affiliated to The British & International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance & Speech, UK. At this all judges are from the United Kingdom.
Q : Has anyone called you a "drama queen" ?
My husband does call me a drama queen since I use a great deal of vocal and facial expressions during natural speech. But at school I was always casted for a “boy’s” role. And maybe that’s why I didn’t get that comment at that time.
Q : What are your career plans?
I hope to continue my higher studies in teaching of Speech and Drama for one thing. Since drama is an art of developing creative use of language whilst building confidence in an individual, I hope to establish an institution that would concentrate on developing leadership qualities in students through this art of creative communication. Especially those from outstation schools who have very little or no exposure to such personality development programs.
Q : I believe you are educated in accounting. What's the deal there?
The training I got from accounting and management helped me at one time to get involved in finance and business development projects. This is from the institute that I’m currently affiliated to as a coach and an examiner. Further, I believe that one should be a balanced individual. I do not intend to be a traditional coach who concentrates only on the subject matter. I’m involved in personality development and not just teaching drama. That involves sound knowledge of Leadership & Management skills.
Further, irrespective of the field one is in, knowledge of financial management is a key plus point. I have gained knowledge in these areas through my CIMA studies. I would like my students to be multi- talented and multi-skilled. I think I have set them the right example.
Interview & pics by Jayantha Fernando
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0 Comments
Keerthi Nelson says:
Nov 25, 2013 at 12:00 amHi Shihara Congratulations on your success with Drama, Music
Shalika Rathnesekere says:
Nov 26, 2013 at 12:00 amReally proud of you nanga and wish you happy married life with many blessings.