The only dedicated 

Performing Arts Academy in the MENA region

ABOUT US

Overview

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), established in 2019, is the UAE's premier institution dedicated to nurturing and developing talent in the performing arts and music. With a strong focus on excellence in Acting, Musical Theatre, Production Arts, Dance, and Music Performance, SPAA offers a comprehensive education that integrates rigorous training with academic study. The academy also offers a Master's in Fine Arts, providing advanced opportunities for students to further refine their skills and deepen their artistic knowledge. SPAA’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and dynamic curriculum ensure students are well-prepared to succeed in the global performing arts and music industries. Committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, the academy serves as a vibrant hub for aspiring artists in the region.

History

The Academy's journey began in January 2018 when H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi appointed Peter Barlow as the Executive Director to establish this pioneering institution in the MENA region. In 2024, SPAA further enhanced its academic offerings with the launch of the Master of Fine Arts programme, providing unparalleled opportunities for advanced studies in the field.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) offers a conservatoire-style education, preparing students for roles in the performing arts, including acting, directing, production arts, producing, technical stage management and set and costume design. As the MENA region's unique centre for professional performing and production arts training, SPAA aims to develop independent, skilled graduates who are ready to become global changemakers in the industry.

Vision, Mission and Value

Vision

SPAA is a conservatoire for all performing and production arts; training and educating students to the highest possible standards necessary for a sustainable career in international creative and cultural industries.

SPAA graduates are strong, confident, independent individuals with life skills that enable them to make a significant contribution to society. Our graduates are enterprising, creative and skilled artists, as well as entrepreneurial, socially mobile and generous human beings. They are world-wise and capable.


Mission

We are committed to carrying out His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah’s vision of providing students with an opportunity to study, practice and take part in developing professional performing arts in the region. The performing arts have the capacity to affect and benefit every single person. SPAA is an independent, non-profit, coeducational institution of higher education that promotes excellence in teaching and learning.


Values

  • Creativity with focus.
  • Freedom of thought and expression.
  • The active participation of the Academy community in its life and development.
  • Diversity of applicants, students, staff and partner organisations.
  • The training of highly skilled and multi-disciplined graduates through coaching and teaching by active professional performers, production team experts, technicians, designers, directors and choreographers.
  • Responsibility to the artistic, cultural and economic lives of communities beyond the Academy.