MUMBAI: Whistling Woods International Actors? Studio launched its Theater Repertoire this January under the able guidance & mentorship of Head of Department and renowned Playwright Salim Arif. In the birth centenary of legendary writer and master storyteller ‘Manto?, the student actors of one of Asia‘s leading film schools organized a stage production of three of his most well-known stories: Nangi Awaazein, Hatak and Akhri Salute. Following acclaimed performances at Prithvi Theater and Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, the Whistling Woods Actors? Studio travelled to Jaipur where their tribute play received great appreciation from all over.

On May 21st, 2013 they returned home, setting up stage at NCPA, Mumbai, where they received an overwhelming response. Mr. Salim Arif, Head of the Acting Department at Whistling Woods International, has directed the play which has been produced by the talented students ofWhistling Woods International. Speaking on this initiative by the students, Mr. Salim Arif says, "It was an honour to dedicate this play to Manto?s life?s work. The students have worked extremely hard and I?m incredibly proud of the talent they have shown. It was a fitting tribute to the master storyteller".

The Institute decided to pay a tribute to Saadat Hasan Manto by showcasing performances of his most renowned plays around the country and by training its Actors? Studio students to be able to perform theatre with the same finesse as commercial cinema. The idea behind the initiative was to give the students the opportunity to perform at prestigious cultural hubs like Prithvi Theatre & National Centre of Performing Arts; a rare opportunity in any artists lifespan. With the expert guidance and tutelage of WWI Actors‘ Studio?s prestigious guest faculty featuring Shernaz Patel, Aru Krishnan, Sanyogita, the students gave command performances to rival theatre companies.

The Actors‘ Studio is located in WWI?s main Mumbai campus in Film City. Actors‘ Studio students have the added benefits of being immersed in this filmmaking campus, being cast and acting in projects, as well as learning first-hand the crucial relationships they will have as professional Actors with Directors, Producers, Screenwriters, Cinematographers, Sound Designers, Editors, and others. Whistling Woods International Actors Studio offers a comprehensive 1-year Diploma course in Acting and a 6-month Certificate course in Acting. The Admissions for July 2013 are now open.