Welcome to Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA). 

You are at the beginning of the journey of the rest of your life. 

With industry professionals and global connections training, supporting, guiding and challenging your artistic journey, at SPAA we will help transform you into the very best international performing or production artist that you can be. 

Our Academy has had the privilege of hosting some of the very best performers and creatives from around the globe. 

From tech rehearsals for award-winning musicians to masterclasses with international professional dance companies. The great attraction for hosting at SPAA is the opportunity for industry professionals to be a significant and meaningful part of our student learning experience and graduate journey. The performing and productions arts industries are competitive ones. At SPAA we like competition and our ambition is to make our Academy one of the best in the world, and if we are the best, then our graduates will be the best too. 

With the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Academy President, SPAA is the only dedicated performing arts academy in the Middle East. It is my mission to ensure the generosity and vision of HH, to provide students with a safe environment to study, practice and take part in developing professional performing and production arts in the region is fully and successfully realised. 

SPAA informs, challenges, educates, questions, discovers and celebrates diversity; where everyone strives for excellence and the best means of storytelling by embracing all cultures, abilities and styles. 

Our student body has grown exponentially over the past three years, as has our Faculty and Administration teams. Collectively we now originate from 34 countries around the world.

This global knowledge, experience and tolerance ensures our students graduate with a competitive edge in an international market. 

If you have the dedication, fortitude, strength and discipline to excel at being a creative leader and changemaker of the future, then your future starts here… today. 

We wish you all the best on your journey. If you decide to join us, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Professor Peter Barlow, FRSA

Executive Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy

Executive Director​​​​​​'s Profile

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