MPA
Know all about MPA (Master of Performing Arts) overview & its scope in India. Get full details on courses, fees, admissions, careers options, reviews, exams and much more information on MPA (Maste
About
MPA (Master of Performing Arts) is a two-year duration postgraduate course pursued by students who wish to have an exploration in their chosen specialisation of performing arts. The multi-disciplinary course offers extensive training in all aspects of performing arts.
MPA is offered in majorly three specialisations – music, dance, and theatre. However, the three specialisations are sometimes further divided into specialisations such as vocal music, instrumental music, Kathak Bharatnatyam, etc.
Candidates successfully completing their MPA degree have good job prospects in multimedia, film, entertainment and production companies. Candidates can choose to work as actors, choreographers, impersonators, stage managers, and drama teachers depending on their interest as well as chosen specialisation.
MPA Eligibility CriteriaCandidates who have completed their graduation in Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) or any other discipline with minimum 50% - 60% aggregate marks are eligible to secure admission in MPA course. It may be noted that some universities/ colleges also demand a mandatory background in performing arts.
Note: MPA eligibility criteria mentioned above might vary depending on the higher education institution in which a candidate is applying.
Skillset required for MPAMaster of Performing Arts course is most apt for those who are passionate about making their career from their distinctive talent. Some of the skills and traits that candidates looking to pursue MPA course should possess are:
| Skills Required for MPA | |
|---|---|
| Imaginative skills | Artistic ability |
| Creativity | Communication skills |
| Innovative | Passionate |
| Attention to detail | Interpersonal skills |
| Observant | Expressive |
| Ability to respond spontaneosly | Visualisation skills |
Syllabus for an MPA course depends on the specialisation in which a candidate is pursuing the programme. However, given below is an overview of subjects taught in three popular MPA specialisations – dance, music, and theatre.
| MPA Course Curriculum | |
|---|---|
| Dance | |
| History of Dance – Dance and Sculpture |
Traditional Folk Dances and Folk Theatre of North and South India |
| Kathak |
Bharatnatyam |
| Critical Study of the Practical & Theoretical Aspects of Dance |
Traditional Folk Dances and Folk Theatre of East and West India |
| Dance in Sanskrit Treaties |
History and Development of World Dance |
| Dance in Natya Shashtra & Abhinaya Darpan |
Rasa & Nayak Nayika Bheda |
| MPA Course Curriculum | |
| Music (Vocal) | |
| Analytical Study of Ragas and Talas |
Indian Aesthetics |
| Performance of a Choice Raga and Performance of Other Genres |
Critical & Comparative Study of Component of Prescribed Ragas & Talas |
| Comparative Aesthetics |
Stage Performance of Choice Raga and Performance of Other Genres |
| Rag Classification Systems |
Compositional Forms of Indian Vocal Music |
| MPA Course Curriculum | |
| Drama & Theatre | |
| Physical Exercise and Theatre Games |
Foundations of Modern Theatre |
| Dramatic Literature – Western Drama |
Theories of Acting |
| Fundamental of Visual Design |
Fundamentals of Music |
| Improvisation, Mime and Choreography |
Voice and Speech |
| Play Production (Contemporary) |
Theatrical Martial Arts |
| Classical Indian Theatre |
Dramatic Literature – Indian Drama |
| Theatre Architecture Oriental and Occidental |
Acting for Stage |
| Theatre Music |
Design Technology: Lighting Design |
| Design Technology: Scenic Design |
Play Production (Western) |
| Direction Theories |
Film Theories & History |
| Stage Management and Event Management |
Traditional Theatre |
| Acting for Camera |
Design Technology: Costume Design |
| Design Technology: Makeup Design |
TV and Film Production |
| Play Production (Classical Indian Theatre) |
Children’s Theatre |
| Play Production |
Folk Performances |
| Advanced Acting Techniques |
Theatre in Education |
| Script Writing/ Play Writing |
TV and Film Production |
| Performance Sound Design |
Master’s Thesis |
Postgraduates in performing arts can avail job opportunities at places such as art studios, music academies, music companies, publishing houses, advertising agencies, film & television industry, dance academies, production houses, educational institutions, and so on. Given below are popular job profiles that MPA students can take up after completing the course:
- Actor: An actor is a performer who depicts various characters in stories using his/ her voice, appearance, body, and gesture. An actor can work for films, television, theatre, commercials, etc.
- Dancer: A dancer is a professional who uses movements to express ideas and stories in different performances. There are many types of dances in which a dancer can specialise such as ballet, kathak, contemporary, jazz, bharatnatyam, hip-hop, salsa, and the list continues.
- Musical Theater Performer: A musical theater performer is a professional who combines songs, dialogues, acting as well as dance to perform for a live theatre audience.
- Music Teacher: A music teacher is responsible for teaching students the music theory and instrumental techniques, scales, and sight reading. A music teacher helps students prepare for different music exams, auditions, and live performances.
- Dance Teacher: A dance teacher teaches students dancing techniques for various styles of dances such as jazz, ballet, kathak, contemporary, etc. A dance teacher can work for public or private schools or dance studios.
- Choreographer: A choreographer is a professional who designs as well as directs routines used in dances and performances. A choreographer is responsible for teaching dancing steps to performers during rehearsals.
- Stage Manager: A stage manager has the responsibility of performing various tasks such as scheduling and running rehearsals, coordinating the work of the stage crew, communicating director's wishes to designers, etc.
- Theatre Director: A theatre director is responsible for the practical as well as creative interpretation of a dramatic script. A theatre director works with the technical crew, producer and other supporting staff like music director to collaborate on extensive production designs.
Q. What can you do with a masters in performing arts?
A. Some of the job roles that a candidate can opt for after MPA are community arts worker, dancer, choreographer, music producer, theatre director, music therapist, actor etc.Q. What is the full form of MPA?
A. The full form of MPA is Master of Performing Arts. It is a two years duration course.Q. What is MPA in dance?
A. MPA (Master of Performing Arts) is postgraduate programme of 2 years duration. It is offered majorly in three specialisations including music, dance and theatre.Q. Can I do MPA after BA?
A. In order to get admission to the MPA course, candidates need to have qualified BA, BSc, BBA or an equivalent degree.Q. What are performing arts?
A. Performing arts can be defined as the form of creative act performed in front of an audience or a group of people. The art includes music, drama and dance.Q. How can I do masters in Kathak?
A. In order to pursue MA in Kathak must have a graduation degree in any discipline with minimum 50% marks from a recognized university. Candidates will also needed to appear for the entrance exam conducted by the respective university.Q. What are the eligibility criteria to get admission in MPA?
A. In order to get admission to the MPA candidates must have completed their graduation degree in Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) or with any other stream with minimum 50% marks.Q. What are the skillsets required for MPA course?
A. Some of the skillsets needed for MPA course are artistic ability, creativity, imaginative skills, innovative, communication skills, interpersonal skills, attention to detail etc.Q. What are the popular job roles available for MPA graduates?
A. Some of the job profiles that an MPA graduate can work are Musical Theater Performer, Actor, Choreographer, Theatre Director, Dancer, Dance Teacher, Stage Manager, Music Teacher etc.Q. Is Performing Arts a good career?
A. Yes, Performing Arts is a good career choice for those interested and passionate to perform on stage. It can be any form of arts like dance, theatre, music etc.Q. What is a degree in performing arts?
A. The performing arts comprises of specialisations like dancing, drama, musical arts and theatre. After pursuing MPA, candidates can work as a professional in different industries, in movies, on stage etc.| Course Level | Degree |
| Course Type | entry |
| Course Entry Level | PG |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Total Seats | 2 |
| Min Fees | 0 |
| Max Fees | 0 |
| Paid Course | Not Available |
