UEW Theatre Arts Seminar Enhances Students’ Sustainable Career Skills
The Department of Theatre Arts at the School of Creative Arts (SCA), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has urged students to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and strategic thinking to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industry.
The call was made during the Department's "Meet the Industry Player" seminar held at the SCA Theatre on Thursday, 11th June, 2026. The event formed part of the Department's efforts to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice by exposing students to the realities and opportunities within the creative economy.
Welcoming participants, Prof. Ernest Kwasi Amponsah, the Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, explained that the initiative was designed to connect students with accomplished industry professionals whose experiences could help shape their career paths. He stressed the importance of complementing classroom learning with practical industry engagement to prepare students for success after graduation.
The guest speaker, Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin, a Ghanaian marketer, fintech professional and brand consultant, challenged students to move beyond seeing themselves solely as learners and begin positioning themselves as creators, entrepreneurs and future industry leaders.
She emphasised that while talent may attract attention, strategy is what sustains success. According to her, today's creative professionals must understand branding, intellectual property, business development and digital innovation if they are to convert their creative talents into sustainable careers.
Drawing from her personal and professional journey, Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin recounted how her early interest in design, internships and continuous learning enabled her to build a successful career spanning advertising, telecommunications, banking, fintech and international brand management. She encouraged students to embrace diverse experiences, noting that every opportunity contributes to personal growth and career advancement.
She further highlighted the enormous potential of Africa's growing creative economy and urged students to seize opportunities in content creation, talent management, marketing, event management, production, distribution and creative entrepreneurship. "The question is not what job will I get but what opportunities can I create with my skills," she told the students.
Ms. Mariam K. A-Buahin also underscored the importance of intellectual property protection, describing it as one of the most valuable assets available to creative professionals. She encouraged students to build strong portfolios, acquire digital skills, understand business fundamentals and intentionally develop personal brands that distinguish them within the industry.
She noted that the convergence of technology and creativity is creating new opportunities for young professionals and urged students to leverage digital platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Mr. Akwasi Owusu Agyeman, former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, who also addressed the gathering, encouraged students and faculty to think beyond artistic expression and explore the commercial and tourism potential of theatrical productions.
He proposed positioning theatre productions as cultural tourism experiences capable of attracting visitors to the Central Region and contributing to local economic development. Using Ghana's growing interest in heritage tourism, reparations and emancipation narratives as examples, he challenged students to develop creative works that could appeal to both local and international audiences.
The seminar provided students with valuable insights into the business dimensions of the creative arts and reenforced the Department's commitment to producing graduates equipped with artistic skills and the entrepreneurial mindset required to excel in the creative industry.
Through the "Meet the Industry Player" initiative, the Department of Theatre Arts continues to create platforms that connect students with accomplished professionals, fostering industry exposure, innovation and career readiness among future creative practitioners.
