Bachelor of Arts in​ Production Arts

The BA Production Arts programme at SPAA is training tomorrow’s theatre and event professionals. They will understand the importance of collaboration in the creative and cultural industries and are able to work across multiple platforms.

In Production Arts, we understand that to study and work in the Production Arts is a privilege and a joy, and one that all of the staff and students within the Academy thrive on. To work backstage or as part of a creative team in the theatre requires imagination, enthusiasm and invention. We’re looking for students who love theatre, live performance and events. Theatre and events are always pushing at the boundaries of what’s possible and at SPAA we aim to give you the tools to be at the cutting edge of the industry, technologically and creatively . So if you have a passion for all things Production Arts then this could be the programme for you.

The first year of all BA programmes at SPAA is collaborative and interdisciplinary, with students working together learning about all aspects of the industry.

The BA in Production Arts consists of three strands and underpinning these are the key skills that make the best Stage Managers, Technicians and Designers of today’s industry. They consist of:

• Technical: Lighting, Sound and Video
• Stage Management: Stage, Event & Production Management
• Design Realisation: Scenic Construction, Scenic Art and Costume Construction & Maintenance.

By the final year students will be working on Academy productions and an external professional placement, providing the opportunity for practical, hands-on experience ensuring a smooth transition into the industry upon graduation.

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: 4 years full-time
• Contact Hours: 30 hours per week

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement/enrolment for a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate programme at SPAA.
• UAE Secondary School Completion Certificate or equivalent approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Candidates for performance programmes (e.g., Acting and Musical Theatre) must pass the audition process.
• Candidates for the Production Arts Programme must pass the interview process.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

• EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1100.
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 61 (iBT), or 173 (CBT).
• IELTS (Academic): Band 5.
• IELTS (General): Band 5.5.

Certificate of Equivalency:

• All enrolled students must obtain an Equivalency Certificate for their Secondary/BA Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education, except those from the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum.

Conditional Admission:

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum English exam scores must take the SPAA English Placement Test and complete a remedial English course.
• Applicants who have not concluded the equivalency process may register for the foundational year by signing a Conditional Admission Contract.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

• RPL allows students to enter at an advanced stage based on prior learning, provided they meet 80% of course learning outcomes.
• Up to 30 credit hours may be awarded for prior learning, with a minimum course grade of “B” for undergraduate level courses.

Credit Transfer:

• Transfer credits from recognized postsecondary institutions are generally accepted where the course content is equivalent to the SPAA course.

How to Apply?

To be considered for the BA Production Arts 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 attend an online or in-person interview with the Programme Leader or a Faculty panel.

Optional: You may also showcase your portfolio of work experience in theatre or the performing arts to the panel during your interview and also submit a statement outlining your interest in joining the Production Arts Programme if you wish to do so.

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: 63,000 AED
• Year 2: 66,150 AED
• Year 3: 67,252.5 AED
• Year 4: 69,457.5 AED

Full and Part Scholarships:

Eligible full-time undergraduate students may apply for a SPAA scholarship upon acceptance into their chosen discipline.

For more information, email admissions@spaa.ae.