Department of Acting for Musical Theatre

The newly established department was named the Department of Musical Theatre Acting. People’s Artist, Professor Azer Zeynalov was appointed Head of the Department. On 5 December 2016, the position was assumed by People’s Artist, Professor Ilham Namig Kamal. Since 2022, the department has been headed by Honoured Artist, Professor Azad Shukurov.

At the undergraduate level, the Department of Musical Theatre Acting offers courses including Acting, Practical Acting Training, Vocal Performance, Vocal Ensemble, Professional Practice, and Pre-Diploma Internship. At the graduate level, the curriculum includes Acting, Role Interpretation, Vocal Performance, Pedagogical Practice, and Pre-Diploma Internship.

The department regularly stages diploma performances that form an essential part of students’ professional training. Among the productions presented in recent years are Jealous Hearts by Marat Hagverdiyev with music by Ramiz Mirishli (2014), Arshin Mal Alan by Uzeyir Hajibeyli (2015, 2018), Seven Female Prisoners by Ali Amirli (2016), Hicran by Sabit Rahman with music by Emin Sabitoglu (2016), The Wedding of Figaro or the Game of Masks after Pierre Beaumarchais (2020), Monsieur Jordan and Dervish Mastali Shah by Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh (2021), The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh (2022), Sevil by Jafar Jabbarli (2020, 2023), and The Inhabitants of Hell by Elchin (2024).

These productions were supervised by prominent theatre professionals and educators including Ilham Namig Kamal, Kamala Mammadova, Ruslan Ismayilov, Shovgi Huseynov, Nijat Kazimov, Gümrah Omar, and Azad Shukurov.

Faculty members of the Department of Musical Theatre Acting for the 2024–2025 academic year include distinguished actors, directors, vocalists, and educators actively engaged in Azerbaijan’s theatre and musical culture.

Azad Shukurov

Professor Azad Shukurov has headed the Department of Musical Theatre Acting since 2022. A graduate of the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts, he studied under prominent actors Rza Tahmasib and Malik Dadashov. He worked at the Lankaran State Drama Theatre, the University Training Theatre, and since 1993 has been a leading actor of the Baku Municipal Theatre. Since 1990, he has been engaged in teaching at ASCA, previously serving as Head of the Stage Speech Department. He was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan in 2002 and the 3rd Degree Labour Order in 2023.

Brilliant Dadashova

People’s Artist Brilliant Dadashova is one of Azerbaijan’s leading pop singers. Born into a family of musicians, she graduated from ASCA in 2000 and has been active on stage since 1983, performing internationally in major concert halls. Her repertoire includes Azerbaijani composer songs, folk music arrangements, and popular Turkish songs. She has taught at ASCA since 2001 and was awarded the titles Honoured Artist (1998) and People’s Artist (2008).

Gurban Masimov

Honoured Artist Gurban Masimov is a theatre director, actor, and educator. He studied directing and vocal performance at ASCA and the Baku Music Academy and completed international training programs in Tbilisi and Sofia. Since 1994 he has worked with the Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre and has also served as chief director of the Abdulla Shaig State Puppet Theatre. Since 2018 he has taught at ASCA’s Department of Musical Theatre Acting. He is a recipient of the Humay Award and the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan.

Shovgi Huseynov

Honoured Artist Shovgi Huseynov graduated from the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts in Drama and Film Acting. He worked for many years at the Baku Chamber Theatre and later at the Azerbaijan State Young Spectators Theatre, performing leading roles in numerous productions. Since 2018 he has been engaged in pedagogical activity at ASCA. He received the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan in 2002.

Nijat Kazimov

Honoured Artist Nijat Kazimov is an actor and theatre director who graduated from the Azerbaijan State Institute of Arts. Since 1991 he has worked at the Azerbaijan State Young Spectators Theatre as both actor and director. He has also appeared in films, television projects, and dubbing productions. Kazimov has staged major cultural events internationally, including the Windsor Royal Horse Show in the United Kingdom. He has taught at ASCA since 2017 and is a recipient of several state awards and presidential scholarships.

Yagut Abdullayeva

Associate Professor Yagut Abdullayeva is an opera singer and educator. A graduate of ASCA, she has taught at the university since 1978. Since 1982 she has performed at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, appearing in leading roles such as Leyli in Leyli and Majnun. Her recordings are preserved in the Golden Fund of Azerbaijan Television and Radio. She has toured internationally and was awarded the 3rd Degree Labour Order in 2023.

Irada Khalilova

Associate Professor Irada Khalilova graduated from the Azerbaijan State Conservatory in Solo Singing. She worked as a soloist with the Azerbaijan State Choir Chapel and the Internal Troops Orchestra before joining ASCA in 1999. She received her PhD in Art Studies in 2006 and has served as Dean of the Faculty of Music Arts since 2021. Her students have become laureates of international competitions and recipients of presidential scholarships.

Rana Aliyeva

Honoured Artist Rana Aliyeva studied solo singing at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory. She performed with the Azerbaijan State Radio and Television Choir, the Azerbaijan State Choir Chapel, and the Internal Troops Exemplary Orchestra. Alongside her extensive concert career, she currently works as a concertmaster at the Baku Music Academy. She was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan in 2010.

Vugar Hajiyev

Vugar Hajiyev graduated from ASCA in Musical Theatre Acting in 2004. He performed at the Azerbaijan State Musical Theatre, portraying numerous leading and supporting roles, and later collaborated with independent theatre projects and the YUĞ State Theatre. He has also appeared in Azerbaijani films and television productions. Since 2024 he has worked at ASCA as a vocal instructor at the Department of Musical Theatre Acting.

Fuad Dadashov

Fuad Dadashov graduated from the Bulbul Secondary Special Music School and the Azerbaijan State Conservatory. Alongside his musical career, he worked as Head of the Culture Department at Lider TV between 2000 and 2006. He currently teaches vocal performance at ASCA.