Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University)’s BA in Performing Arts is a creative ecosystem that grooms versatile artists prepared for the realities of stage, screen and cultural leadership. Rooted in rigorous training and practical exposure, the programme blends classical technique with contemporary practice, encouraging students to discover a personal voice while building the professional skills necessary to succeed in a competitive arts landscape.
A curriculum that balances craft and context
The BA Performing Arts at MM(DU) is thoughtfully structured to provide breadth and depth. Core modules cover voice and speech, movement and physical theatre, acting techniques (Stanislavski, Meisner, Method), Indian classical dance and music foundations, dramaturgy, history of theatre, and production studies. Electives allow students to specialise for example, stagecraft, applied theatre, direction, choreography or film acting. Importantly, the course stresses interdisciplinary learning: students regularly collaborate with visual designers, filmmakers and writers to mount projects that mimic real-world production workflows.
Practice-led training and performance opportunities
Theory without practice is incomplete in the performing arts. MM(DU) emphasises a practice-led pedagogy: weekly studio classes, ensemble rehearsals, solo showcases and term-end productions that give students sustained rehearsal experience. The university’s in-house black box theatre and multi-purpose auditoriums allow for experimental performances as well as large-scale productions. Regular student festivals, open mics and performance labs ensure every student gets multiple chances to perform, receive feedback and refine craft.
Industry-facing faculty and guest practitioners
MM(DU) combines seasoned academicians with active industry professionals. Faculty bring research-led insight into performance studies while guest directors, choreographers, and actors from theatre companies, film, and television run masterclasses and short intensive residencies. These visiting practitioners open industry networks, mentor student projects, and often cast or recommend talented graduates for professional gigs.
Facilities & technical training
A modern performing-arts programme needs technical literacy. MM(DU) provides rehearsal studios, a sound lab, recording facilities, lighting rigs, costume and prop workshops, and basic editing suites for students working in film and digital theatre. Practical modules in stage management, lighting design, sound engineering and production budgeting equip students with the behind-the-scenes skills that make them employable either as creatives or as production technicians.
Industry linkages, internships & placements
MM(DU) has cultivated relationships with theatre companies, cultural centres, production houses, and event management firms, enabling structured internships and placements. The university’s career services and the performing-arts department collaborate to host campus auditions, industry talks and placement drives. For students aiming at careers in pedagogy, the programme also provides pathways into teaching, arts administration and community arts.
Research, social engagement & applied theatre
Beyond performance, the BA encourages critical thinking and socially engaged practice. Courses in applied theatre, community performance and arts for development invite students to create interventions in schools, prisons, healthcare settings and rural communities. This strengthens students’ civic sensibilities and gives them real-world experience in using art as a tool for social change.
Alumni network & continuing support
A growing alumni network provides a living bridge between academia and industry. Graduates often return as guest lecturers, co-producers or collaborators… a vibrant sign of institutional loyalty that benefits new cohorts through internships, casting calls and freelance opportunities.
Alumni Spotlight – Success Stories
From Campus Stage to Regional Theatre Director: Story of Riya Mehndirata
Riya graduated from the BA Performing Arts programme with a focus on direction and applied theatre. During her time at MM(DU), she directed two full-length productions and led an outreach project that used theatre workshops to address adolescent mental health in nearby schools. The department’s mentorship and the availability of rehearsal space allowed her to experiment with devised theatre and site-specific performance. After graduation, Riya joined a respected regional theatre troupe as an assistant director and quickly moved to direct their youth wing. Her company now tours a repertoire of socially conscious plays across schools and community centres, and Riya has been invited to curate a theatre festival that showcases new writing. She credits MM(DU)’s balance of craft training, production experience, and community engagement for giving her both the technical skills and the confidence to lead a company.
Actor, Voice Artist & Media Entrepreneur: Arjun Washday
Arjun’s trajectory demonstrates the programme’s capacity to produce multi-hyphenate professionals. Specialising in acting and voice, Arjun made use of MM(DU)’s sound lab and film workshops to build a showreel while still a student. He interned at a production house through the university’s industry linkages, which led to small roles in regional web series and voice-over work for educational audio content. Using entrepreneurial workshops offered by the department, Arjun launched a digital studio that produces short-form original audio dramas and workshops for aspiring voice artists. Today he balances acting assignments, regular voice-over projects and running his studio, while conducting weekend masterclasses at MM(DU) as a visiting alumnus. His multidimensional career reflects the programme’s emphasis on technical competence, media literacy and creative entrepreneurship.
The BA Performing Arts at MM(DU) is a dynamic incubator for artists who want serious craft training with practical exposure and industry readiness. Whether a student aspires to be a stage actor, director, movement specialist, voice artist, or arts entrepreneur, the programme’s strengths make MM(DU) an ideal place to transform passion into a sustainable career. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the department, attend a student performance and meet faculty to experience the creative energy that defines MM(DU)’s performing-arts community. Visit this link for more details.
