Professor Peter Barlow
Professor · FRSA

Peter BarlowShaping performers for over thirty years

Educator, leader and mentor to actors, performers and theatre technicians. A graduate of Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, he has led and represented the top drama schools in the UK.

About PeterMedia & Podcast
Professor Peter Barlow addressing graduates
Director, Academy of Performing ArtsUniversity of the Arts Sharjah
30+Years training performers
FRSAFellow, Royal Society of Arts
2011 · 13Olivier Awards judge
GSAFormer Director & CEO
About

A life in
actor training

From Britain’s leading drama schools to the University of the Arts Sharjah.

01

Educator

Three decades training actors, performers and technicians; visiting professor and masterclass leader in Florida, California, Bologna, Oslo and London.

02

Leader

Director & CEO of Guildford School of Acting; Chairman of the Conference of Drama Schools; Director of the National Council for Drama Training.

03

Mentor

Former students include Olivier Award winners and performers on the West End, Broadway, television and film.

News

Recent highlights

  1. Class of 2026 graduation

    Addressed the graduation of 52 students, attended by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, including the academy’s first Master of Fine Arts graduates.

    Sharjah24 ↗

  2. Appointed Director, Academy of Performing Arts

    Appointed when Sharjah Performing Arts Academy joined the newly established University of the Arts Sharjah.

    Sharjah24 ↗

  3. Partnership talks with Sharjah Media City

    Met the Director General of Shams to discuss a partnership around the planned Shams Studios, which is intended to give the academy’s students hands-on production experience.

    Sharjah24 ↗

  4. Third graduation ceremony

    Welcomed His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the academy’s third graduation, noting that 90% of its graduates work in the creative industries.

    Sharjah24 ↗

  5. Culture Summit Abu Dhabi

    Spoke on “Staging Presence: Performing Arts in a Virtual World” at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

  6. Directed The Cherry Orchard

    Directed the academy’s production of Chekhov’s classic.

  7. The Future of Professional Performing Arts in the UAE

    Led a masterclass on contemporary actor training and directing at a symposium held at the academy by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.

Media

Moments

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Peter Barlow on the BH LIVE Podcast▶ Watch the BH LIVE Podcast With His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah Honoured by Yarmouk University, Jordan
International alumni

Former students on stage and screen

  • Mike Jibson · Olivier Award
  • Kobna Holdbrook-Smith · Olivier Award
  • Karen David
  • Chris Geere
  • Jade Anouka
  • Sasha Roiz
  • Stephen Carlile
  • Lauren Samuels
  • Luke Kempner
  • Chris Key
  • Taj Atwal

See all alumni