Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Present:
The Future of Professional Performing Arts in the UAE, A Symposium
Abu Dhabi, 03 October 2024: The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in collaboration with The Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), successfully hosted a groundbreaking symposium titled “The Future of Professional Performing Arts in the UAE” on Saturday, 28th September.
This full-day event brought together leading figures in the performing arts, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to engage with experts, enhance their skills, and explore the future of the arts in the region.
The symposium commenced with registration and refreshments at 10:30 AM, followed by a morning masterclass led by Professor Peter Barlow, Executive Director of SPAA. The session, focused on contemporary actor training and the art of directing actors, provided invaluable insights for aspiring performers and directors alike.
Attendees had the chance to network with peers and professionals, fostering connections within the UAE’s performing arts community. The afternoon featured a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Professor Peter Barlow, that delved into the future of professional theatre in the UAE. Contributions from prominent industry figures such as Emirati performance artist and playwright Reem Al Menhali, Stuart Every, CEO of Dolphin Creative, Beata Stankevic, Cultural Programs Coordinator at The Goethe Institute Abu Dhabi, and Lauren Noble, Artistic Director of the Collab Company, Dubai, offered a range of perspectives on regional developments, international collaborations, and future growth opportunities in the sector.
Lauren Noble, a South African theatre director, designer, writer, educator, and performing arts practitioner, moved to Dubai eight years ago to start a theatre department in an international academy. Her pedagogy involves supporting creatives of all ages to empower themselves through the arts. Lauren founded Collab Company as a hub of multidisciplinary creativity, championing a holistic approach to artistry and arts education.
Specialist acting tutor Aiham Hassan was unable to attend the panel due to directing a film, and Soha Khan, Head of Programs and Content at the Royal Commission of Riyadh City, was also unable to attend. Despite these absences, the panel discussion was enriched by the contributions of Bill Bragin, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre Director, and graduates of SPAA, alongside the four industry experts.
The day concluded with a second masterclass focused on musical theatre. Paul Spicer, Programme Leader for Musical Theatre at SPAA, alongside Heather Davies, Programme Leader for Postgraduate Studies, and Dr. Kathleen Bell, Lead Tutor for Research and Singing, guided attendees through specialist skills required for musical theatre performance, with a particular emphasis on regional development. This session provided participants with practical tools and strategies for excelling in the increasingly competitive world of musical theatre.
The event closed with further networking opportunities, allowing participants to deepen connections made throughout the day.
The symposium, poised to have a lasting impact on the performing arts landscape in the UAE, was a resounding success, leaving attendees with new insights and practical knowledge to advance their careers in the performing arts.
For more information about ADMAF and its initiatives, please visit www.admaf.org
-ENDS-
About Abu Dhabi Festival:
Founded in 2004, the Festival was generously granted the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from 2007 to 2011. The first Abu Dhabi Festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then Minister of Information and Culture (currently the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs).
Abu Dhabi Festival is the festival of “Bilad Al Khayr”, the land of blessings, the land of Zayed, and embraces the values of dialogue, tolerance, respect and peace.
For more information, please visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)
Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) was established in 1996 as one of the earliest cultural foundations in the Gulf region and Arab World. ADMAF supports the sustainability and creativity of the cultural industry and contributes to enriching Abu Dhabi as a cultural beacon.
For more information, please visit ADMAF website at: www.admaf.org
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is a world-class facility galvanising communities, showcasing local and international creative talent, and leading the way in higher education for professional performing arts. Opened in 2019, and born from the progressive vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, SPAA is the only Academy of its kind in the Middle East. SPAA offers the opportunity for candidates to study full-time Bachelor degrees in Acting, Production Arts and Musical Theatre, in addition to the Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, with programmes led by highly qualified professionals and educators using intensive, practice-based training. Through the generosity of HH, Ruler of Sharjah, fully funded scholarships are available for eligible students each academic year.
