Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to contribute to the delivery and development of Practical Voice and Voice-into-Text training, with a primary focus on Speech Systems across undergraduate programmes. The postholder will bring professional expertise in accent and dialect instruction, ideally with training in Knight-Thompson Speechwork, and will apply this knowledge to support actors across stage, screen, and audio performance contexts.
This role requires a dynamic practitioner who is committed to the ongoing evolution of Voice training methodologies and who demonstrates a collaborative spirit in working with students, faculty, and creative teams.
The applicant should be comfortable working in a dynamic, multinational conservatoire environment that values inclusivity, with staff, faculty, and students from over 40 countries. They should also bring research interests that contribute to SPAA’s intercultural ethos. As SPAA continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking a candidate who is adaptable, flexible, and confident navigating change.
Scope of the Job
Reporting to: Programme Leader – Acting
Works Closely with: Programme Leader, Associate Programme Leader and faculties
- Deliver high-quality teaching in Practical Voice, Text, and Accent and Dialect.
- Course lead Year 2 Vocal Practice within the Acting programme
- Provide specialist training in accent and dialect for stage, film, television and audio
- Provide specialist training in accent and dialect for the Musical Theatre programme
- Support cross-programme voice integration in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Production Arts
- Collaborate effectively with performers, directors and creative teams across live and recorded contexts
- Provide voice support on projects and productions
- Engage in research and scholarly activity, contributing to SPAA’s intercultural ethos through publications, conferences and practice-based enquiry
- Contribute to curriculum design, assessment and programme development
Essential:
- Professional or academic experience in voice, speech and text training for actors.
- Demonstrated ability to work with actors in stage, audio, film and television contexts.
- A Master’s in Voice Studies and demonstrate relevant industry experience in the field.
- Ability to work across Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance and Production Arts.
- Strong planning, time management and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to intercultural learning and collaborative practice in multinational environments.
- The ability to bring compassion and warmth to teaching and collaboration.
Desirable:
- Training in Knight Thompson Speechwork.
- Professional experience in voice / Accent support for theatre, film and television.
- Experience teaching Voice at postgraduate level.
- Further qualifications in areas of interest.
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.
Salaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates Dirhams. Faculty members receive a competitive benefits package that includes: accommodation, private medical insurance, and a residency visa, which extends to cover dependent family members. The Academy will cover the cost of education expenses for eligible dependent children under the age of 18.
Employees and eligible dependents are entitled to an annual return ticket to their home country.
- 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 full-time 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
