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.
Network with peers and professionals
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.
Masterclass focused on musical theatre
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
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