United Arab Emirates, Sharjah: Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) presented “The Engine Room”, a series of exhilarating shows across three evenings, from Monday 5th June – Wednesday 7th June. Showcasing the talent and creativity of its Year 4 Actors, supported by staff and students from the Musical Theatre, Production Arts, Dance, and Acting programmes at SPAA. These eagerly anticipated events took place under festival conditions, featuring 11 extraordinary pieces of solo performances that range from original works to captivating adaptations.
‘The Engine Room’ is a culmination of months of dedication and relentless hard work, highlighting the exceptional skills and abilities of the students at SPAA. These aspiring actors have passionately crafted their solo performances, embracing the challenges of minimal budget and limited professional and technical support. Through this project, the students have proven their resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
4th Year Acting students also put together SPAA’s first ever Graduate Showcase! A series of performances were performed for people currently working in and cultivating the theatre and live events industry. These performances were a thrilling journey through the depths of human emotions, as each performer immersed themselves in their characters and narratives. With a diverse range of pieces, the audience were captivated by a dynamic blend of storytelling, acting prowess, and creative ingenuity. From thought-provoking monologues to captivating scenes, each performance showcased the unique talent and artistic expression of these budding performers, soon-to-be part of the first ever graduating cohort from SPAA.
Throughout the year, SPAA’s 4th Year students have been actively involved in major live productions, such as the critically acclaimed “Fahrenheit 451”, the mesmerizing “Scorched,” and the renowned “Nimrod”. These experiences have further honed their skills, expanded their artistic horizons, and prepared them for the challenges of the professional world. “The Engine Room” and the Graduate Showcase mark an important milestone in their journey, providing them with an opportunity to shine as individuals while celebrating their collective growth as a cohort.
Peter Barlow, Executive Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, expresseed his excitement for the showcase, stating, “We are immensely proud of our Year 4 students and their incredible achievements throughout the year. The solo performances in this showcase truly exemplify their dedication, creativity, and unwavering passion for the performing arts. We are thrilled to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and witness their growth as artists. This event will undoubtedly be a testament to their hard work and a source of inspiration for future generations of performers.”
“The Engine Room” was performed at SPAA on the 5th, 6th and 7th of June. The Year 4 Actors Showcase was performed at SPAA on 13th of June and at Sima Performing Arts in Dubai on the 14th of June.
