.png&w=1920&q=75)
MA in Performing Arts at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Performing Arts at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This MA Performing Arts program at CHRIST, Bengaluru, focuses on developing versatile artists, researchers, and educators through a rigorous curriculum spanning diverse performance traditions. The Indian performing arts industry is experiencing a renaissance, driven by cultural preservation efforts, global collaborations, and evolving entertainment consumption patterns. This program distinguishes itself by integrating theoretical depth with extensive practical training, preparing students for dynamic roles in a vibrant cultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for performing arts graduates, theatre practitioners, dancers, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts seeking to deepen their academic and practical understanding of performance. It caters to fresh graduates aiming for a foundational career in arts, working professionals like teachers or performers looking to upskill in research or advanced techniques, and career changers passionate about contributing to India''''s burgeoning cultural sector. Prerequisites typically include a bachelor''''s degree in a related discipline with a strong artistic aptitude.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as performers, choreographers, directors, arts managers, educators, cultural critics, and researchers. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, potentially growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience, depending on the sector (e.g., academic, commercial theatre, film). Growth trajectories often involve leading performance ensembles, curating festivals, or establishing arts education initiatives. The program also aligns with qualifications for national-level arts scholarships and cultural institution roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Intensive Skill Development in Core Disciplines- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply in practical sessions for dance, music, and acting, focusing on mastering foundational techniques, voice modulation, body control, and rhythmic understanding. Actively participate in workshops and utilize practice rooms beyond class hours to build muscle memory and performance confidence.
Tools & Resources
University studios, practice rooms, faculty-led workshops, online tutorials for specific forms
Career Connection
Strong foundational skills are essential for all performing arts careers, whether as a performer, choreographer, or teacher, ensuring a competitive edge in auditions and initial roles.
Cultivating Critical Performance Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical understanding, regularly attend and critically review diverse live performances, theatre productions, and classical concerts. Maintain a performance journal to document observations, analyze directorial choices, acting styles, and audience engagement, thereby linking theory to practice.
Tools & Resources
Local theatre venues (Ranga Shankara, Chowdiah Memorial Hall), online archives of performances, critical reviews in publications
Career Connection
Develops a keen eye for artistic quality and critical thinking, crucial for arts critics, researchers, and arts managers, and informs one''''s own artistic practice.
Building a Peer Learning and Collaboration Network- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups and collaborative project teams with classmates to discuss theories, rehearse practical components, and ideate new performance pieces. Organize informal jam sessions, short plays, or dance pieces within the university community to gain early stage experience and develop team-working skills.
Tools & Resources
University common spaces, student clubs (theatre, dance, music), college festivals
Career Connection
Collaboration is fundamental in performing arts. This builds essential networking skills and experience in working with diverse artistic talents, preparing for professional ensembles.
Intermediate Stage
Participating in Interdisciplinary Projects and Competitions- (Semester 3)
Seek opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary arts projects within and outside the university, integrating elements of theatre, dance, music, and digital media. Actively participate in inter-collegiate arts festivals, national-level youth festivals, and performing arts competitions to gain exposure and feedback.
Tools & Resources
University cultural committees, national arts competitions (e.g., SPIC MACAY), inter-departmental collaborations
Career Connection
Develops versatility and innovation, showcasing a broader skill set to potential employers and collaborators, and builds a professional portfolio.
Gaining Industry Exposure through Internships- (Semester 3)
Secure an internship with a professional theatre company, dance troupe, music production house, or arts management agency. Focus on understanding the logistical, administrative, and creative aspects of arts production and management, applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, faculty contacts, online internship platforms (e.g., Internshala), direct outreach to arts organizations
Career Connection
Provides invaluable hands-on experience, builds industry contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, essential for breaking into the competitive arts industry.
Specializing in a Chosen Performance Area and Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., traditional Indian dance, experimental theatre direction, music composition) and delve deeper through elective courses, independent study, or a mini-project. Seek mentorship from faculty or established artists in that specialized field to refine skills and gain advanced insights.
Tools & Resources
Elective course options, faculty advisors, industry mentors, masterclasses by renowned artists
Career Connection
Develops unique expertise and a distinct artistic voice, making a student more marketable for specialized roles or entrepreneurial ventures within the arts.
Advanced Stage
Developing a Professional Portfolio and Brand- (Semester 4)
Compile a comprehensive digital and physical portfolio showcasing key performances, projects, research papers, and artistic contributions. Create a professional artist''''s resume, headshots, and a concise artist statement. Learn about personal branding and effective self-promotion in the arts.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance, personal website), professional photographers, career services cell, workshops on personal branding
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio is critical for auditions, grant applications, job interviews, and attracting collaborators, serving as the primary representation of one''''s artistic capability.
Mastering Grant Writing and Arts Entrepreneurship- (Semester 4)
Research various government and private grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities available for artists and arts organizations in India. Practice writing compelling grant proposals and develop a basic business plan for an independent arts project or venture, understanding financial management and legal aspects.
Tools & Resources
Ministry of Culture (India) schemes, Sangeet Natak Akademi, various arts trusts and foundations, university entrepreneurship cells
Career Connection
Empowers artists to become self-sufficient and proactive in funding their projects, crucial for sustaining an independent artistic career and contributing to the arts economy.
Focused Placement and Networking Strategy- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the university''''s placement cell for arts-related opportunities. Attend industry conferences, arts expos, and networking events to connect with potential employers, collaborators, and mentors. Practice interview skills and presentation techniques tailored for the arts sector.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn, industry association events (e.g., FICCI Frames), alumni network, mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Direct path to securing employment or professional opportunities immediately after graduation, leveraging established networks for faster career integration.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree (UG) in Performing Arts / Equivalent discipline with minimum 50% aggregate marks from any recognised University in India or abroad. Students who are in the final year of their studies and are expecting to complete their degree and secure 50% aggregate marks are also eligible to apply.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA101 | Theories of Theatre and Performance | Core | 4 | History of Theatre, Performance Studies, Indian Theatre Theory, Western Theatre Theory, Aesthetics of Performance |
| MPA102 | Acting and Performance Techniques | Core | 4 | Body Movement and Expression, Voice and Speech Modulation, Characterization and Improvisation, Method Acting Principles, Audition and Rehearsal Techniques |
| MPA103 | Classical Indian Dance (Practical) | Core | 4 | Bharatanatyam/Kathak Fundamentals, Mudras and Abhinaya, Taal and Laya, Traditional Choreography, History of Classical Dance Forms |
| MPA104 | Indian Musicology and Rhythms | Core | 4 | Carnatic and Hindustani Music History, Raga System and Concepts, Tala System and Rhythmic Cycles, Indian Musical Instruments, Sound Theory and Aesthetics |
| MPA105 | Research Methodology in Performing Arts | Core | 2 | Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection Methods, Academic Writing and Citation, Critical Analysis in Arts Research, Proposal Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA201 | Direction and Production Management | Core | 4 | Directorial Vision and Interpretation, Stagecraft and Design, Lighting and Sound Design, Budgeting and Resource Management, Production Planning and Execution |
| MPA202 | Contemporary Performance Practices | Core | 4 | Postmodern Theatre, Experimental Performance Art, Physical Theatre Techniques, Performance Art History, Digital and Multimedia Performance |
| MPA203 | World Dance Forms (Practical) | Core | 4 | Ballet and Modern Dance Techniques, Contemporary Dance Styles, Folk Dances from various Cultures, Choreographic Principles, Fusion and Experimental Dance |
| MPA204 | Applied Music and Sound Design | Core | 4 | Sound Engineering Fundamentals, Music Composition for Performance, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), Live Sound Production, Foley Art and Sound Effects |
| MPA205 | Elective I: Art and Culture Management | Elective | 2 | Arts Marketing and Promotion, Sponsorship and Fundraising, Festival and Event Management, Cultural Policy and Law, Audience Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA301 | Dramaturgy and Playwriting | Core | 4 | Dramatic Structure and Narrative, Character Development and Dialogue, Playwriting Techniques, Adaptation and Translation, Script Analysis and Dramaturgy |
| MPA302 | Performance Pedagogy | Core | 4 | Teaching Methods in Performing Arts, Curriculum Design for Arts Education, Assessment in Arts Learning, Workshop Facilitation Skills, Arts Education Theories |
| MPA303 | Interdisciplinary Arts Project (Practical) | Core | 4 | Collaborative Performance Creation, Mixed Media Integration, Site-Specific Performance, Devised Theatre Processes, Cross-Art Form Exploration |
| MPA304 | Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art | Core | 4 | Theories of Beauty and Art, Artistic Expression and Emotion, Philosophy of Music and Dance, Performance Ethics and Morality, Indian and Western Aesthetic Thought |
| MPA305 | Elective II: Film Studies and Digital Storytelling | Elective | 2 | Film History and Genres, Cinematography and Editing, Screenwriting Principles, Digital Media Storytelling, Interactive Narratives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPA401 | Dissertation / Thesis | Core | 8 | Advanced Research Proposal, Literature Review and Critique, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Viva Voce Preparation |
| MPA402 | Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship in Arts | Core | 4 | Arts Business Models, Funding and Grant Writing, Portfolio Development and Marketing, Intellectual Property in Arts, Artist Management and Contracts |
| MPA403 | Advanced Performance Workshop (Practical) | Core | 4 | Advanced Performance Techniques, Ensemble Work and Synchronization, Public Performance and Production, Critical Feedback and Refinement, Showcase Development |
| MPA404 | Elective III: Global Performance Traditions | Elective | 2 | Ritual Performance Across Cultures, Folk Traditions Globally, Indigenous Arts and Practices, Performance and Cultural Identity, Cross-Cultural Performance Studies |
