Q&A with Karthik S

Karthik S is a multifaceted artist from Bangalore, India, whose talents span various domains. Trained at the prestigious National School of Drama, Karthik has excelled as an actor, model, and former speech and drama facilitator.

Karthik's credits include on-screen roles in Ekachakram (2021), One Hit Wonder (2024), along with major stage performances in productions like The Crossroad Inn (2023), Anthithottam (2024), Animal Farm (2020), and Kusumbale (2020).

Karthik is an avid explorer of physical expression, delving into forms such as Kalaripayattu, Pole Mallakhamb, Rope Mallakhamb, Silambam, Yakshagana, Kathakali, Parai, Theyyam, and Acrobatics. He aspires to collaborate with artists worldwide and craft performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

Karthik is a recipient of the Tan Chay Bing Education Fund Scholarship and a beneficiary of the Möbius Fund, a revolving loan fund for actor-students.

What is it like to train here at ITI? Share something you've learned from working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

This was my first close encounter with people from different cultures. It was fascinating to see how our own cultures have shaped us. However, when placed in a collaborative work environment where responses varied so significantly, it presented an interesting challenge. Over time, we gained a deeper understanding of each other's individualities, and by creating a space for these differences, we discovered a beautiful environment of creativity that we all began to enjoy working in.

Think back to your first day here: what were some of your thoughts and emotions then?

It felt like a dream and, to be honest, unreal. I remember a few months ago, before I came to ITI, I had seen the gate of the ITI campus on the website and thought that I would enter that gate as a student, learning what I love. When it actually happened, it felt so unreal. And, funny enough, I ended up being late and got lost on the very first day. It was very welcoming. The people at ITI are gems for the students.

Tell us how you came to know about ITI. What made you choose to come here?

I was training at the National School of Drama in Bangalore a few years ago when I came to ITI. A teacher who taught me there introduced me to this school. Initially, I ignored the idea of considering Singapore, thinking it was out of my reach. However, I eventually felt drained and empty in my craft, unable to contribute creatively to the roles I was doing and always waiting to be told what to do. I realised that if I wanted to pursue acting for the rest of my life, I needed to upskill and invest my time and effort to understand this craft inside and out. This realisation reminded me of what my teacher said, and I started looking into applying to ITI.

What were you doing before coming to ITI?

I was working in schools, teaching theatre and movement to children, while also working as an actor in theatre productions, films, and TV serials. I assisted directors on film sets and worked as a voice-over artist.

What's one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at ITI?

I struggle to distil three years of memories into just one. Coming to Singapore and ITI has been one of the best decisions I've made in life so far, simply because real learning begins when you step out of your comfort zone. I had never been away from home for so long, and the entire experience of these three years taught me so much about life—becoming independent, thoughtful, responsible, creative, curious, and ready to explore challenges, knowing that failure is part of the process. It's not easy to come face to face with who you truly are and recognise your limitations, but once that layer of comfort forms, that’s when beautiful things happen. You see yourself transform. It truly was a beautiful time.

However, I especially loved my final year individual project and the discussions I had with my teachers while creating it. It was such a joy to talk to people about work that I truly owned. I will also miss all those off-campus hangouts with the teachers and the endless conversations about art.

What has it been like learning from and working with the teachers at ITI?

If I describe my ITI training as sailing through a rough sea, then the teachers were the ship that carried me. I've never come across people as selfless as them. They gave their all to ensure I understood what I was doing and brought out the best in me. They taught me, guided me, critiqued me, scolded me, fed me, and cared for me more than they needed to.

My journey with them was so interesting. In the first year, they were constantly telling me what to do and how to do it. I felt a bit annoyed at first, but in the second year, their role changed. They began discussing things with me as collaborators, which made me more curious and eager to explore and offer more. By the final year, they became listeners, treating me like a professional—offering minimal input and sitting back to enjoy seeing me at my best. Aren’t these people amazing?

How has what you’ve learnt here shaped or changed you as an actor?

I’ve grown to love acting more than ever before. I’ve become more aware of how much work goes into crafting a role. From the first read to the curtain call after the show, the entire process has become so much more enjoyable for me. I’m hungrier than ever to act.

The most interesting part for me has been the training methodology. Immersing in traditional forms, with the understanding that we may never become traditional performers or reach the mastery of our teachers, has been incredibly valuable. The intent is to uncover the principles that form the foundation of traditional performance that give them their richness. With these principles as strong anchors, we then explore how they can be applied in contemporary performance-making, blending tradition with modernity. This process gives birth to a new, hybrid piece of art. It’s not just about experimenting with forms to make them contemporary, but about understanding how these forms inform our bodies and minds, allowing us to benefit from them as we shape ourselves as contemporary actors.

I feel that when we, from the East, have so much to learn from the traditions that surround us, why are we often so focused and curious about the methodologies of only the West? At ITI, we also learn Western acting approaches, and this balance has been incredibly enriching.

Describe your biggest takeaway from the ITI experience.

If I had to choose one, it would be the art of being compassionate—to myself and to those around me. The experience at ITI taught me not only the technicalities of performance but also the importance of patience, empathy, and understanding in both art and life. It’s a lesson that has shaped me as an artist and as a person, reminding me that true growth happens when we extend kindness to ourselves and others throughout the journey.

What are your plans after graduation?

This is the most difficult question to answer at this point. I've always pursued things that excite me and make me feel happy. Maybe the first step is to go back home and enjoy some home-cooked meals—I’ve missed them a lot. After that, I plan to revisit a couple of plays I've written, to sit back and reconstruct them, and maybe think about staging them. I’ll also look for opportunities to perform on screen or perhaps consider further studies. I definitely want to restage my FYiP, as I feel quite proud of that work.

Additionally, I’m passionate about making theatre education more accessible in government schools, as it’s currently more available to private school children. That could be a meaningful direction for me as well.

What would you say to a new student or someone thinking of joining ITI?

If you're considering joining ITI, it's important to understand that this place is not for everyone. It's designed for those who are serious about their craft and ready to be challenged. You need to be patient and prepared for a transformative three-year journey, one that will sculpt you into a better version of yourself. If you believe you're ready for this challenge, then the ITI family is the best place for you.

Any special thanks or parting words?

There are so many people I want to thank, and as I think about where to start, it feels like time pauses. Should I first thank those who contributed to my crowdfunding campaign when I was in India, without enough money even for my flight? Their overwhelming support filled me with hope and gave me the strength to chase my dreams. Or should I thank those who, even without knowing me personally, reached out to support me from day one in Singapore—providing me with ration supplies to cook for months, checking in on my health and well-being, and the local community that made me feel at home, even when I was 3,000 kilometers away?

What about the ITI staff for their warmth, care, and constant readiness to assist whenever I needed help, whether medically or financially? Should I express my gratitude to the teachers for sharing their knowledge and wisdom, or to my classmates, who brought so much humor and light during rehearsals?

The Tan Chay Bing Education Fund for their generous support through the scholarship. Which made a significant difference in my journey. Honestly, at this rate, I might need to hire a marching band just to announce my gratitude! Who should I thank first?

Profile photo and And the Cats Dance by the Light production shot by Bernie Ng