External Examiner (Theatre and Live Performance Creation)

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy; United Arab Emirates; Hybrid; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious performing arts institution in the United Arab Emirates seeks an External Examiner for MFA Oral Defense. This role involves evaluating candidates' presentations, reviewing their documentation, and ensuring academic integrity in their assessments. Ideal candidates will possess a terminal degree in Theatre or a related field, along with experience at postgraduate levels. The position offers a hybrid working environment and supports meaningful engagement with students and faculty in a collaborative setting.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Collaborative environment

Opportunity to influence education in the arts

Qualifications

• Recognised standing as a scholar, director, designer, producer, or practitioner.
• Significant teaching or professional practice at postgraduate level.
• Familiarity with international standards in graduate assessment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate MFA candidates' oral defense presentations.
• Review candidates' thesis and documentation prior to defense.
• Participate in the oral defense as a panel member.

Skills

Fair, objective, and constructive feedback

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Professional integrity

Independence of judgement

Education

Doctoral or terminal degree (PhD, DFA, MFA)

Job description

External Examiner – MFA Oral Defense (Theatre and Live Performance Creation)

University City , United Arab Emirates

Scope of the Job

Reporting to: Programme Leader, Postgraduate Studies, Executive Director

Works closely with: Programme, Postgraduate Studies, and the Executive Director.

Start Date: 24 November 2025

Employment Type: Hybrid

Closing date for applications: 10 November 2025

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy is seeking an External Examiner – MFA Oral Defense.

The External Examiner – MFA Oral Defense provides independent, expert evaluation of MFA candidates’ oral defense of their thesis, project, or creative portfolio in Theatre. The role ensures academic standards, fairness, and consistency in assessments, and contributes to maintaining quality and integrity in the graduate examination process.

Reporting to the Programme Leader, Postgraduate Studies, Executive Director, S/he will provide independent expert evaluation of MFA candidates’ oral defense of the thesis, project, or creative portfolio in Theatre, s/he shall execute the following tasks and responsibilities:

Examination & Evaluation

• Attend and review the candidate’s submitted production or major research project presentation.
• Review the candidate’s submitted thesis, written documentation, or portfolio in advance of the defense.
• Assess the quality, originality, and rigour of the candidate’s research, creative practice, and critical reflection in line with MFA-level degree requirements and expectations.
• Consult with the Chair of the Oral Defense, to coordinate questions and/or approach of the oral defense panel in preparation for the defense.
• Participate in the oral defense, questioning the candidate to test depth, breadth of knowledge, methodological competence, artistic vision, and scholarly contribution.
• Contribute to the final assessment deliberations, offering an independent judgement of the candidate’s performance creation, major research project and written thesis.

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Ensure that the oral defense process is conducted in accordance with the university’s regulations and international standards for graduate-level work in Theatre.
• Provide an impartial external perspective that benchmarks the programme internationally against comparable MFA programmes.
• Safeguard fairness, transparency, and consistency in the assessment process.

Reporting

• Submit a brief formal written report on the candidate’s performance and the examination process, highlighting strengths, areas for development, and any recommendations for academic or procedural improvement.
• Where (and if) applicable, provide commentary on programme standards, curriculum relevance, and overall student achievement.

Qualifications

• A doctoral or terminal degree (PhD, DFA, MFA, or equivalent) in Theatre, Set and Costume Design, Directing, Producing or a closely related field.
• Recognised standing as a scholar, director, designer, producer, or professional practitioner in the discipline.

Experience:

• Significant teaching, research, and/or professional practice at postgraduate level.
• Previous examining or supervisory experience at Master’s or Doctoral level preferred.
• Familiarity with international standards and practices in graduate assessment.

Skills & Attributes:

• Ability to provide fair, objective, and constructive feedback.
• Strong analytical, critical, and communication skills.
• High level of professional integrity and independence of judgement.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is an independent academy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to address a growing demand in the UAE and MENA region for formal education and quality professional training in the performing arts sector. SPAA is the only performing arts conservatoire in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes taught in English. The purpose-built Academy includes a 432-seat theatre, two fully equipped studio performance spaces, TV/recording studios, twelve sprung rehearsal studios, 12 singing tutorial spaces, resource library, gymnasium and cafe.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy specialises in training graduates for work in the international professional performing arts industry. The SPAA faculty are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The focus of the Academy is practical rather than academic. The Academy's primary goal is to equip graduates with the highest level of practical skills in their field, along with the tools necessary for successfully creating their own work or practice.

• The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including the Workplace Health and Safety and Confidentiality policies.
• This position is hybrid based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
• The Faculty Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position can request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.

Note: Candidates offered positions at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy are required to undergo a comprehensive background screening and police check, prior to finalising their employment.

What's great about working at SPAA?

• Join a talented team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• No unnecessary bureaucracy, no pointless tools, and flexible working hours.
• Focus on meaningful work with real responsibilities and autonomy.
• Enhance your expertise across diverse aspects of the performing arts industry.
• Contribute to creating impactful content that supports our community daily.
• Embrace real challenges and responsibilities in a dynamic, rapidly evolving academy.