Performing arts courses provide students with a solid basis in various art-related fields. The top courses at all educational levels are discussed in the article below.
Performing arts courses are academic programs that teach students how to perform in various artistic mediums, including music, dance, theatre, cinema, and more. India has a rich history and provides various performing arts courses at all educational levels with various topics and specializations. These performing arts degree courses provide students with a solid foundation and real-world experience in their chosen field.
Also Read: List of all Art Courses in India
List of Performing Arts Courses
Most performing arts courses in India often incorporate a variety of specialties, including acting, dancing, singing, real theatre, music theatre, sound design, and more. Listed below are the top-performing arts courses in each educational category.
Online Certificate Performing Arts Courses
The primary objective of these online certificate programs is to provide the student with a foundational understanding of the subject matter and to specialize in the field. There is a wide variety of certificate courses, and the popular ones are given below.
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| Nawazuddin Teaching Acting by Celebrity School | 2 months | INR 25K |
| Film, Images & Historical Interpretation in the 20th Century(The Camera Never Lies) by Coursera | 6 weeks | Free |
| Shakespeare: Print and Performance Course by Future Learn | 4 weeks | INR 37K |
| Online Theatre Acting Workshop by Barry John Acting Studio | 10 to 12 classes | INR 19K |
Certificate Performing Arts Courses
These are considered the most picked performing arts short courses focusing on a specific skill or area of study. Top certificate-level performing arts courses are listed below.
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| Certificate In Performing Arts(Theatre Arts) | 6 months | NR 25K |
| Certificate in Filmmaking, Direction, and Script Writing | 9 months | INR 25K |
| Certificate in Dance | 1 year | INR 50K |
| Certificate in Acting | 6 months | INR 1 lakh |
| Certificate in Young Actor in Making (Dance and Music) | 6 months | INR 25K |
Diploma Performing Arts Courses
A diploma program generally requires a greater time commitment and covers a broader range of topics. Popular performing arts courses at the diploma level are listed below.
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| Diploma in Performing Arts (Drama) | 2 years | INR 15K to 25K |
| Diploma in Acting for Television | 1 year | INR 55K |
| Diploma in Theatre, Acting, and Filmmaking | 1 year | INR 1.3 lakhs |
| Diploma in Dance - Bharatanatyam and Kathak | 1 year | INR 50K |
| Diploma in Automotive Clay and Digital Sculpting | 2 years | INR 4.8 lakhs |
Bachelor's Performing Arts Courses
Most undergraduate performing arts courses are 3 to 4 years, covering extensive training and education in specific fields. The most sought-after performing arts courses at the bachelor level are:
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) | 2 years 11 months | INR 5 to 1 lakh |
| BPA in Music | 4 years | INR 30K to 1 lakh |
| BPA in Dance | 3 years | - |
| BPA in Dramatics | 3 years | NR 30K |
| B.Sc in Cinema | 3 years | INR 4.2 lakhs |
Master's Performing Arts Courses
Master's degree performing arts courses provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specific study area. Given below is a list of top postgraduate performing arts courses.
| Course | Duration | Fees |
| Master of Performing Arts (MPA) | 2 years | INR 2.5 lakhs |
| MPA in Sitar | 2 years | INR 1.6 lakhs |
| MPA in Vocal | 2 years | INR 70K |
| M.Sc. in Cinema | 2 years | INR 2.8 lakhs |
| MPA in Bharatanatyam | 2 years | INR 1.2 lakhs |
What is Performing Arts Course
Performing arts courses are meant to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen performing arts discipline and some real-world experience via practice and performance. Candidates interested in taking these performing arts courses may choose between taking them online or in a traditional classroom setting. Performing arts courses in India are available at various levels, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and graduate. Almost all performing arts course subjects include entertainment-related subjects and strategies.
Also, Read about Top Culinary Arts Courses in India
Performing Arts Courses Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for performing arts courses depend on the student's performance. The eligibility criteria may differ by institution and program. However, here are some basic requirements for eligibility:
- No entrance exams or auditions are required at the certificate level; thus, students who have finished 12th from a recognized board of education may easily enroll.
- Diploma programs need a 45% aggregate in class 12th from a recognized board. Some universities/colleges need a basic understanding of arts-related topics.
- For undergraduate courses, students must have a minimum of 50% to 60% in class 12th from a recognized board. Some courses require students to audition before being admitted to top institutes.
- Candidates who passed their Bachelor of Performing Arts exam or any other equivalent course with a minimum of 55% overall are eligible to enroll in postgraduate performing arts courses.
Performing Arts Courses Admission Process
The admissions process for performing arts courses may vary based on the particular course and institution; however, the following essential steps are often required for all courses:
- Find out which courses are available that are relevant to your interests and career objectives.
- Program-specific application forms must be completed and submitted with additional documentation.
- A few institutions include an audition or interview as part of the admissions process.
- The next step is to wait for the merit list after applying.
- Once the merit list is released, selected students are contacted for a counseling session. Students can secure a seat after paying the tuition fees.
Performing Arts Courses Entrance Exams
To enroll in these performing arts degree courses, candidates must pass the required entrance tests. Institutions set the required cut-off scores for the entrance exam, which might vary. Some of the most well-known entrance exams are as follows:
Performing Arts Courses Syllabus
Courses in Performing Arts offer training on many aspects of performing art, such as music, dance, and drama. The following is a list of core topics often covered in performing arts courses.
- Introduction to Performing Arts
- Value-based Course in Bharatanatyam
- Dynamics of Dance, Music, and Theatre
- Value-Added course in Music
- Indian Theatre
- Raga studies
- Hindustani Music
- Study of Tala
- World music
- History of Dance
- Techniques of Dance
- Movement Techniques
- Acting
- Indian Theatre
- History of Theatre
- Camera, light, sound
- Filming concepts
- Film Theories
| BPA Syllabus and Subjects | MPA Syllabus and Subjects |
Top Colleges for Performing Arts Courses
Several institutions in India offer performing arts courses at all educational levels. These institutions are popular for their excellent education and preparation. Listed here are some of the most prestigious institutes for performing arts courses.
- AAFT
- MSU Baroda
- Lovely Professional University
- BHU
- MGKVP
- Shivaji University
- YMCA
- Film And Television Institute of Hyderabad
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV, and Animation Studies
- MIT Institute of Design
- Ishaan Music College
- IGNOU
- MJRP College of Film Technology
- Balaji ICE Institute
- Atharva Institute of Film and Television
- Annapurna College of Film and Media
- Institute of Mass Communication Film and Television Studies
- Reliance Bhilai Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India
- Annamalai University
Career Options and Top Recruiters
Performing arts courses provide students with a thorough education in their chosen sector, helping them acquire the skills and information needed to become a performer, directors, producers, or other industry professionals.
| Job Role | Average Salary |
| Actor | INR 5 to 11 lakhs |
| Theatre Director | INR 6 to 10 lakhs |
| Choreographer | INR 2 to 6 lakhs |
| Music Producer | INR 3 to 5 lakhs |
| Dancer | INR 1.8 to 3.5 lakhs |
Top Recruiters
Depending on the degree, the top recruiters for performing arts courses may vary and are quite competitive. Here are some potential recruiters that students might consider.
- HT Media
- Universal Arts
- Balaji Telefilms
- Entertainment Industry
- Iris Media
- Physical Theatre companies
- Music Industry
| BPA Jobs in India | MPA Jobs in India |
