Doha, March 26 (QNA) - Academic education plays a crucial role in developing and promoting the art of theater, and it is an important approach to developing playwrights, actors, directors, technicians, and others.

From this standpoint, a number of academics concerned with the theater arts program at the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) stressed to Qatar News Agency (QNA), on the occasion of World Theater Day which is marked on March 27 every year, the importance of this specialized program in advancing Qatari theatre.

They said that academic education in the field of theater contributes to achieving a deep understanding of the history of theater and its development across different eras and cultures, adding students learn about classical and contemporary theatrical works, important authors, and influential theatrical movements, which helps them expand their artistic horizons and develop a comprehensive vision for theatre and reflects positively on the theatrical movement in Qatar.

In a statement to QNA, Dean of Liberal Arts Division at the CCQ Dr. Al-Jazi Faraj Al Athba Al Marri said the Theater Arts Program at the CCQ, which was established in 2015, is the only program in the country specialized in theatrical preparation, which represents an added value that contributes to discovering and developing students' creative talents. She considered the program a fertile resource that provides Qatari society with new generations of young artists and creators, who interact and participate strongly in theatrical and dramatic works, noting that the program opens new horizons in the field of digital content creation whether in the fields of advertising or marketing through artistic and creative methods.

She added that one of the most important features of Qatar National Vision 2030 is building a modern state with the necessity of preserving its heritage and consolidating its values and traditions, pointing out that theater and the arts in general are considered essential tools for preserving these values, customs and traditions, ensuring their continuity and transfer between generations, as well as instilling the spirit of belonging and citizenship, and urging young people to create, innovate, and develop capabilities. The human, social, and economic development on which the vision is based is complemented by encouraging and supporting these arts such as encouraging museums, dramatic and performing arts, creative arts, and digital arts, which have become present in theories of economics and modern media.

Dr. Al-Jazi stressed that the theatre arts program seeks to advance the artistic and cultural movement by qualifying Qatari cadres specialized in drama and theater sciences both in theoretical and applied aspects, pointing out that the Qatari labor market, in its various sectors, is in dire need of artists and creators not only in the field of acting but also in the fields of drama, criticism, design, décor, theater management, and directing. 

Theatre arts program coordinator at the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Dr. Said Ennaji stated to QNA that the program offers specialized tracks; Drama and Criticism, Design and Decor, Theater Management, and Acting and Directing, which led to many graduates leaving an impact on the artistic and cultural scene in Qatar.

Dr. Ennaji explained that the modules in the program rely on the latest methods of teaching, learning and evaluation by linking the practical and theoretical aspects and encouraging critical and creative thinking among students.

There was a focus to ensure that the Theatre Arts Program be at the same level as similar programs from different universities to have the graduates be on the same wavelength as other graduates of the same field and be able to have an efficient and competent presence in Qatar's labor market, he added.

Dr. Ennaji said that the program needs to keep pace with the transformations that the field is witnessing worldwide. Performance, writing, and criticism should all be combined to present artistic products with multiple characteristics. Development should also be seen in the fields of design and commercial and economic marketing. Digital content can also be created through videos which could benefit many institutions by showcasing their work. In light of technological developments and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the Theatre Arts Program must also be developed in this regard. 

Performing arts have become a key aspect of modern societies for different purposes such as entertainment, marketing, or education. Dr. Ennaji believes that adapting creative arts is needed in countries like Qatar which invests heavily in media, museums, smart parks, smart city design, and more.

The theatre arts program coordinator at the CCQ said that there are a number of graduates who have integrated into theater groups in Qatar, while other graduates preferred to establish their own artistic production companies. Most of the theater projects launched by the Ministry of Culture feature graduates of the program.

This all has made the program have a significant impact even at the College which has now embraced theatrical events such as student graduation plays, the celebration of World Theater Day, as well as holding related workshops. The continuation of this impact on Qatar's art scene can only be achieved with the support of all concerned parties and institutions, Dr. Ennaji said. (QNA)