MONOLOGUE WORKSHOP AT YENZE THEATRE CONSERVATOIRE

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On Monday, 1st December, I walked into Yenze Theatre Conservatoire next to Bukoto Heights, and immediately felt I was in the right place at the right time. Yenze was hosting a special workshop designed to help actors sharpen their monologue execution and strengthen their overall acting craft. The session was organised in partnership with The Producers’ Guild of Uganda (PGU), but what made it truly exceptional were the facilitators themselves. I know why Aganza Kisaka chose these facilitators.

The workshop was led by two industry heavyweights: Nana Kagga (actress, storyteller, producer, casting director and director behind major projects like Beneath The Lies, Nalwawo and Maria) and Allan Manzi (storyteller, casting director, and director known for shows like Kyaddala and JDC). Both brought a wealth of experience, bridging international and Ugandan industry standards in a relatable and practical way. Sitting there, I couldn’t help but wish I had attended such workshops when I was just beginning my acting journey. It would have made those early steps far less daunting.

Nana shared invaluable insights on building confidence and the importance of believing in yourself even before you enter an audition room. She emphasised self-awareness; knowing your character type, your body type, and your personality, to guide the roles you pursue at the start of your career. Many actors struggle because they begin by chasing every available role, making the path unnecessarily complicated. She also cautioned against the habit of trying to please people at auditions. Instead, she encouraged actors to work on themselves so diligently that they become impossible to overlook. “Enter the room believing you are the best and the only one who can do what you do,” she said. Confidence is not optional but rather it’s a tool.

Manzi spoke in detail about his casting process, referencing his experiences on JDC and highlighting the story behind casting Moses Kiboneka (Uncle Mo) and Diana Nabatanzi. Interestingly, both stepped into their roles because Richard Tuwangye and Veronica Namanda of Fun Factory were unavailable. Diana was a late addition, but her confidence, experience, and openness made her a perfect fit. Their performances later earned them Best Actor and Best Actress nominations. Manzi stressed the importance for actors to find performance partners they naturally blend with, as chemistry can create casting opportunities, especially for projects that require strong pairings.

By the end of the workshop, I had learned so much and I believe everyone in the room left enriched and inspired. This session served as a powerful prelude to this evening’s ACTING ARENA event organised by Yenze Theatre Conservatoire at Hotel Africana, Sipi Hall at 6pm. Entrance is 20k for students and 35k for adults. Actors will be battling for cash prizes; UGX 1m – winner, UGX 500k – 2nd Place and UGX 250k – 3rd Place. Come see, learn, network.

See you there.

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Written by

Kasule Douglas Benda

I’m a professional performing artist, an acting coach, film director, actors’ agent and more.

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