Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Theatre and Live Performance Creation

Embark on a transformative journey at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, where creativity meets excellence in the Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Live Performance Creation. Tailor your experience with concentrations in Set and Costume Design, Directing, and Producing, and unlock the door to your artistic future.

Our programme is meticulously designed to meet national accreditation and international benchmarks, offering a unique blend of academic rigour and hands-on studio-based practice. Over six intensive terms spanning two academic years, immerse yourself in a dynamic curriculum that fosters the development of a substantial portfolio and invaluable industry experience.

At SPAA, we prioritise excellence, ensuring small cohorts for personalised attention. Engage in theory-based exams and assignments, complemented by practical-creative assessments like studio productions and active involvement in production development. Showcase your skills through a comprehensive exam, a final graduate production or concentration-specific portfolio, a written dissertation, and an oral defence.

Fuel your commitment to artistic and leadership development in an environment that values excellence. Join us for an intensive two-year MFA programme, where your passion for theatre and live performance will flourish. Define your artistic path, embrace excellence, and let your creativity shine at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy!

Creativity meets career readiness during your transformative two year journey in our postgraduate programme. In Year One, immerse yourself in a dynamic core curriculum, fostering collaboration across concentrations. Engage in graduate research seminars, collaborate within our vibrant MFA cohort, and join forces with undergraduates on internal projects. Elevate your employability with specialised arts leadership training. Explore unique MFA streams by attending and observing undergraduate classes.

Year Two propels you into professional practices and entrepreneurial training, equipping you to launch your own cultural and creative industry enterprise. Dive into internal productions, elevating your artistic practice, skills, and industry knowledge. Demonstrate your prowess in a comprehensive exam, a pivotal step towards your degree. The journey culminates in your thesis production, project, or portfolio tailored to your concentration. Lead a team, craft a compelling thesis with an oral defence, and emerge as an MFA in Theatre and Live Performance Creation, ready to make your mark in the industry. Elevate your passion to profession—ignite your future with us!

Why study with us?

• Situated within the ‘Cultural Capital’ of the Arab World
• Epicentre of inspiration, creativity and innovation
• Exclusive masterclasses with international artists
• Become the next generation of leaders and change-makers of the performing arts world

Programme Information

• Start Date: September 2024
• Programme Length: 2 years full-time
• Study mode: In person

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in arts or a relevant discipline.
• Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.25 out of 4.0 or equivalent (e.g., B+ or UK upper second-class honour).

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
• EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1400.
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 79 (Internet-based).
• Waiver: English test score may be waived for native speakers or those with a degree from an English-medium institution.

Statement of Purpose:

• Written statement of 800–1,000 words or a 2–3 minute video explaining the applicant’s artistic aspirations and motivations.

Portfolio and Curriculum Vitae:

• Applicants must submit a CV/resume and a portfolio of recent work relevant to their specialisation (Directing, Set/Costume Design, or Producing).

Audition or Interview:

• Applicants may be required to attend an audition or interview depending on the programme specialisation.

Conditional Admission:

• Applicants with a lower CGPA (minimum 2.7 out of 4.0) may be considered for conditional admission under exceptional circumstances.
• Equivalency Letter required for graduates from universities outside the UAE.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• Up to 6 credit hours may be awarded for prior learning based on documented evidence of unaccredited or professional experience.

Credit Transfer:

• Postgraduate students may seek up to 6 transfer credits for courses taken at accredited institutions, provided they meet certain conditions.

Application Timelines:

• Applications are accepted from November to April.

How to Apply?

To be considered for the MFA postgraduate programme, all applicants must register their details by completing the following form.

A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch shortly (please allow 3-4 working days).

All applicants will be required to submit at Statement of Purpose. There are two options for the format of this required statement:

1. A written statement of purpose. Length: between 800-1,000 words. Please see suggestions below for more information.
   OR
2. A 2–3-minute video offering a more detailed insight into the student’s artistic aspirations and motivations in attending SPAA.

The Statement of Purpose should clearly outline the applicant’s motivations and reasons for pursuing postgraduate studies at SPAA, please see the MFA Admissions Requirement Handbook for more details.

Depending on the programme’s specialization, applicants may be required to participate in an interview or audition process. This may include discussing educational, work experience or creative projects listed on the applicant’s CV or resume or discussing educational aims or career goals.

For any urgent admissions-related enquiries, feel free to contact us via the following methods:

Email: admissions@spaa.ae

Phone: +971 (0) 6 502 9999 (7.30 AM – 4.30 PM or 8 AM – 1 PM during Term Holidays)

Programme Fees

• Year 1: 90,000 AED
• Year 2: 90,000 AED

Scholarships and Bursaries:

Eligible students after acceptance into the MFA may be eligible for available scholarships, bursaries, tuition reductions and student loans after they have received their offer letter.

For more information, email admissions@spaa.ae