New Delhi, July 2: Performance today extends far beyond the traditional stage. From cinema and OTT platforms to immersive experiences, live entertainment, cultural tourism, museums, education and digital storytelling, the demand for trained performance professionals has never been greater. Recognising this transformation, the World University of Designhas launched two new degree programmes – the four-year Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre and the two-year Master of Performing Arts in Theatre, from the academic session 2026–27. 
The programmes have been designed to prepare students for the realities of today’s creative economy, where theatre serves not only as an art form but also as a foundation for performance across film, television, advertising, live events, digital media and emerging immersive experiences. Combining rigorous artistic training with interdisciplinary learning, industry engagement and entrepreneurial thinking, the programmes aim to develop actors, directors, playwrights, dramaturgs, theatre educators, production professionals and cultural entrepreneurs equipped for a rapidly evolving creative landscape.
India’s media and entertainment industry is projected to approach ₹3 lakh crore by 2027, driven by sustained growth in digital content, live entertainment, experiential events and cultural industries. As the creative economy expands, the demand for professionally trained performance practitioners continues to grow. Yet structured higher education programmes that integrate classical theatre training with contemporary industry practice remain relatively few. WUD‘s new offerings seek to bridge this gap by aligning artistic excellence with professional preparedness.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, said
“Performance today is no longer confined to the proscenium stage. It has become central to cinema, OTT platforms, digital storytelling, live experiences, education and the broader creative economy. Our new theatre programmes recognise this transformation. They combine the rigour of classical theatre training with contemporary performance practices, interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking so that graduates are prepared not only to perform, but also to create, lead and innovate.”
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) in Theatre provides students with intensive training in acting, voice, movement, directing, script analysis, stagecraft, theatre history and production. Rather than viewing theatre in isolation, the programme encourages students to engage with contemporary performance practices through productions, workshops, devised theatre, collaborative projects and live performances. Students graduate with a professional portfolio and practical experience that prepares them for careers across theatre, film, television, OTT platforms, content creation, cultural organisations and the wider experience economy.
The Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Theatre is designed for graduates seeking to deepen their artistic practice while developing expertise in directing, dramaturgy, performance research, theatre pedagogy and creative leadership. Alongside advanced studio practice, students will explore contemporary performance theories, interdisciplinary collaborations and research methodologies, preparing them to contribute as practitioners, educators, researchers and leaders within India’s growing cultural and creative sectors.
A distinguishing feature of the programmes is their location within one of India’s leading universities dedicated to the creative disciplines. Theatre students will routinely collaborate with peers from design, fashion, visual arts, animation, film, architecture, music and management, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary creative practice. Through productions, festivals, masterclasses, industry interactions and collaborations with leading theatre practitioners, students will experience a learning environment that mirrors the realities of today’s creative industries.
With these new programmes, the World University of Design further strengthens its commitment to nurturing creative talent capable of shaping the future of India’s cultural and creative economy where storytelling, performance, design and technology increasingly converge.
Admissions for the academic session 2026–27 are now open.