MPA (Master of Performing Arts) – Full form, Course details, Salary, Eligibility, Scope, Admission, Syllabus 2024

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) – A Master of Performing Arts program is a postgraduate course in any artistic discipline such as dance, drama, music, or cinema. After completing this two-year course, the most common degree awarded in India is the MPA. This curriculum is primarily intended to investigate the historical effect of performing arts.

This is a dream course for creative, artistic people who love to perform and want to learn everything there is to know about the skill. If you are interested to make your career in performing arts then this article is for you.

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What is MPA (Master of Performing Arts)?

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) programme is a two-year postgraduate degree program that allows students to explore and establish their own specialisation in the performing arts, specifically theatre, music, and dance. Master of Performing Arts programmes provide students with the foundation and abilities needed to expand and develop their own creativity, as well as a skilled teaching team. The content and design of the course are determined by the university and the course that students select.

Human culture includes a wide range of acts, including theatre, music, dance, & object manipulation. There are various sorts of performing arts, some of which are officially performed. The performing arts performers present their skills on platforms such as constructed facilities such as theatres and opera houses, open-air stages during festivals, tent stages such as circuses, and on the street.

With the invention of video and audio recording, live performances have now been transformed into a source of entertainment, allowing for private consumption of the performing arts. Performing arts include dance, music, opera, theatre and musical theatre, magic, illusion, mime, spoken word, puppetry, circus arts, and performance art.

Why Choose MPA (Master of Performing Arts)?

Performing Arts gives a platform for establishing confidence on stage via academics. It is a required course for learners who already have a diploma or have more than five years of experience learning and performing on stage.

  • Because it is a practical work-based topic, they must enhance their performance throughout the semester by analysing the subject.
  • The emphasis of this training is on immediate first-hand application. The curriculum is designed so that students may learn and perform.
  • Most MPA degrees rotate through many subjects before settling on a specialisation.
  • Continuous adaptive learning entails broadening one’s skill set in response to new advancements and changes in the environment.
  • Students in this two-year curriculum are prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of the course.

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MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Course Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements are the conditions and restrictions that students must meet in order to be admitted to the institution. The following are the entrance requirements for Master of Performing Arts programmes at various universities:

  • Aspirants must hold a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts or any other field with a minimum of 50-60%.
  • In addition, candidates with stage experience are given a competitive advantage over other candidates.

However, Certain colleges require graduation in the performing arts. Before applying for admission, candidates must review the qualifying conditions for each university.

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Courses Admission Process

Several universities around the nation offer admission to postgraduate courses in Master of Performing Arts. Aspirants must apply separately for admission to each university. The Master of Performing Arts admissions method is as follows:

  • Aspirants must examine the eligibility criteria for the university to which they desire to apply.
  • They must provide their graduation transcripts as well as any other papers requested by the institution at the time of admission.
  • Aspirants must next complete the application form for the specific university.
  • Aspirants must have their documents confirmed by the university administration after applying for admission.

Read Also: Bachelor of Performing Arts – Scope, Fees, Salary, Top Colleges

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Entrance Exams

Admission to MPA institutions is based on merit or admission tests, depending on the college’s criteria for selecting candidates for this master’s degree programme. University-level entrance tests are held for Masters of Performing Arts programmes. Short-listed candidates will be notified within a few days following the admission exam. The most popular examinations for which most candidates apply are as follows:

Entrance ExamRead MoreOfficial Site
CUCETClick HereClick Here
BHU PETClick HereClick Here
CMJ University Entrance ExamClick HereClick Here
NIMS University Entrance ExamClick HereClick Here

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Course Preparation Tips

Preparation for the entrance exam in a timely manner, in accordance with the updates and notifications on the college websites, in order to clear the cut-off of the Master of Performing Arts colleges in India. Some pointers for staying ahead of the pack are provided below.

  • In order to do well on theoretical examinations, you must read a variety of textbooks, reference guides, and internet resources.
  • A study calendar can assist you in scheduling your time for study as well as other tasks.
  • Interacting with professors and students on any subject may provide you with new insights into the topics covered in class.
  • Conduct a self-assessment to determine your level of knowledge on the subject.

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Course Fee structure

The cost of a Masters of Performing Arts programme ranges from INR 3,000 to 40,000 each year. The Masters in Performing Arts course prices may differ depending on the college or university and the amenities offered. Some universities’ Masters in Performing Arts price schedules are given below:

Sl.No.Name of the InstituteAverage Annual Fees
1NIMS University, JaipurINR 30,000 PA
2Pondicherry University, PondicherryINR 23,781 PA
3Goa University, North GoaINR 26,790 PA
4Chandigarh University, ChandigarhINR 50,000 PA
5Shri Krishna University, ChhatarpurINR 36,000 PA

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Specializations

The Master of Performing Arts degree programme includes three specialisations: theatre, music, and dance. These specialities are designed to offer students the technical aspects of the art as well as the abilities needed to become proficient in the topic. All three streams are actively practised by students and provide a diverse range of chances and art persuasive alternatives. Aspirants can go for any one of the following specializations during the last year of the course.

  • Theatre
  • Dance
  • Music

Read Also: Master of Fine Arts – Salary, Scope, Fees, Top Colleges.

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Syllabus

The Master of Performing Arts programme lasts two years. MPA is an abbreviation for Masters of Performing Arts, which is a postgraduate degree programme. This course blends the study of cultural features, entertainment considerations, philosophy, and history to help students understand the fundamental framework of the Performing Arts. This course covers a variety of themes, many of which are linked to dance, music, or film. The following are some of the most essential and well-thought-of subjects taught to students:

Semester 1Semester 2
Fundamentals of Theatre and DramaHistory of Classical Indian drama
Fundamentals of ActingHistory and Development of Classical, Neo-Classical and Elizabethan Theatre
Fundamentals of Theatre DesignTechnical theatre
History and Development of Modern Indian DramaActing Theory & Practical
History and Development of Modern Western dramaPlay Production(Contemporary & Western)
Dance HistoryArt history and Choreography
Traditional folk dance and Theatre of IndiaTraditional Theatre of India and Western Ballet
History and Development of World DanceCritical Study of Practical & Theoretical aspects of Dance
Semester 3Semester 4
Folk and Traditional TheatreAesthetics: Indian and Western
Fundamentals of DirectionAdvanced Script Writing
Stage and Event ManagementTheatre Research
Children TheatreDesign Tech. (Makeup & Costume )
Design Technology (Scenic Design )TV and Film Production
Analytical study of RagasAnalytical study of Talas
Acting for cameraTheatrical Martial Arts
Voice & SpeechSpecialization: Direction, Acting, Design.
Compositional forms of Indian Vocal MusicCritical Study of the component of Ragas and Talas
Improvisation, Mime and ChoreographyPlay Production (Major )
Stage PerformanceMusic and Management
EthnomusicologyRaga Classification System
Comparative AestheticsFolk music

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Higher Studies

Aspirants can either find a job or continue their studies after completing the two-year Masters of Performing Arts programme. Adding a second degree or certificate course in the same topic boosts career chances by providing extra experience and competence. Listed below are some higher education possibilities for Masters in Performing Arts graduates:

  • M.Phil
  • PhD in Performing Arts
  • Certificate Courses
  • PG Diploma

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Scope

The scope of Master of Performing Arts is vast and has been steadily expanding throughout the years. The steady expansion of the scope of Performing Arts has pushed several educational establishments in India to offer a performing arts course as part of their curriculum. Students can concentrate on a number of performing arts professions and become singers, music composers, dancers, or musicians.

With the invention of audio and video recording, live performances have now been transformed into a source of entertainment, allowing for private consumption of the performing arts. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in Performing Arts might expect to work in the film business, theatres, cultural organisations, international festival organisations, museums, street plays, and stage performances.

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Job Profiles

Aspirants are invited to apply for the following positions.

  • Actor
  • Dancer
  • Musical Theater Performer
  • Music Teacher
  • Dance Teacher
  • Choreographer
  • Stage Manager
  • Theatre Director

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Employment Area

The following are the employment sectors for all those who are completed their MPA (Master of Performing Arts).

  • International Film Organization
  • Art Institute
  • Museum
  • Cultural Organization
  • Film Industry
  • Government Organization
  • Centre of Eminence (National & International level)

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) Salary

The wage data for this area are incredibly subjective. It is heavily dependent on an individual’s function and experience. However, based on various conditions, the average remuneration for postgraduate applicants ranges between Rs. 30,000 and 60,000 per month. The compensation that one makes is totally determined by the talents that one possesses, the position that one applies for, and the industry experience.

The highest pay is offered in cities such as Bengaluru, where the average salary ranges from Rs. 3.5 lacs to Rs. 11 lacs per year, New Delhi, where the average salary ranges from Rs. 4.5 lacs to Rs. 30 lacs per annum, and Mumbai, which offers the highest pay package of all, ranging from Rs. 25 lacs to Rs. 50 lacs per annum.

Job RoleAverage Annual Fee (INR)
Actor10 Lac to 1 Cr
Music Teacher1.5 Lac to 4 Lac
Theatre Artist2 Lac to 4 Lac
Stage Manager3.5 to 4 Lac
Dramatherapist5 to 6.5 Lac
Director6.5 to 10 Lac
Choreographer5 to 4 Lac

MPA (Master of Performing Arts) colleges

Several colleges in India offer Masters of Performing Arts degrees. Students can select one of the finest universities for a Master of Performing Arts degree. There are various private Masters of Performing Arts colleges in India that will significantly affect the aspirant’s career. The top ten colleges in India for Masters in Performing Arts are as follows:

S.No.Name of the Institute
1NIMS University
2Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
3Bharathidasan University
4University of Kerala
5University of Mumbai
6Royal Global University
7Pondicherry University 
8Kurukshetra University
9Goa University
10University of Hyderabad

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Frequently Asked Questions

The remuneration ranges from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 Lacs, depending on the project or assignment.

If a student is keen to learn more about their chosen speciality and specialise in it, they should pursue an MPA.

It is a two-year programme with four semesters.

Master of Performing Arts is the full form of MPA. The programme lasts two years.

The performing arts are any artistic performance done in front of an audience or a group of people. Music, theatre, and dance are all forms of art.

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