If you’re passionate about acting and want to pursue a career in the performing arts, South Africa has several reputable institutions offering quality training in different provinces. Whether you’re in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Durban, here’s a guide to some of the top places where you can study acting.
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Why You Should Study Drama in South Africa
If you’re passionate about acting, storytelling, or performing arts, studying drama in South Africa can open doors to unique experiences and career opportunities. From honing your craft to building invaluable networks, drama education offers much more than just acting skills. Here’s an in-depth look into why studying drama is worth considering, with insights from both students and professionals.
1. You Perfect Your Craft
Studying drama allows you to immerse yourself in what you love every day. It’s not just about passion; it’s about practice. As one student puts it, “Drama school forces you to act all the time. Almost every week, there’s a monologue to learn, a scene to perform. It becomes your life.”
Unlike those who pursue acting as a side hustle while studying unrelated degrees, drama students live and breathe their craft. This consistency sharpens your skills and makes you a better performer.
2. The Power of Networking
In the world of drama, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Drama school places you in the company of like-minded peers and industry professionals. From classmates who might become future directors, producers, or casting agents to guest lecturers who are active in the field, the opportunities for networking are endless.
One performer shared: “Your classmates today might be your future employers tomorrow. Keep their numbers. Stay connected after graduation. Networking can lead to incredible opportunities.”
3. A Theatre-First Foundation
Theatre is the heart of acting, and drama schools in South Africa often prioritise stage acting. From the first year, students are introduced to theatre techniques, offering a solid foundation that many screen actors lack.
It’s widely acknowledged that some of the best performers on TV and film started in theatre. As one performer explained: “The real acting happens on stage. Theatre teaches you discipline, voice projection, and an understanding of the art form that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
4. Diverse Acting Methods
In drama school, you’re exposed to a variety of acting methods, from Stanislavski’s realism to Brecht’s epic theatre. This exploration equips you with a toolkit of techniques to adapt to any role.
If you’ve never heard of these methods, that’s the point—drama school introduces you to the technical side of acting that you might not discover on your own.
5. Becoming a Seasoned Performer
Studying drama is about merging talent with skill. While raw talent is essential, the structured training offered by drama schools elevates your craft. One performer highlighted this difference: “You can tell when someone’s acting with raw talent versus someone who’s trained. When talent meets skill, the magic is undeniable.”
Drama school ensures you’re well-rounded, from mastering stage acting to learning how to perform for the camera.
6. The Drama School Environment
Drama schools foster a unique, vibrant environment. Imagine a place where everyone shares your passion, and creativity thrives daily.
One student said, “Drama school is full of ambitious, talented people. No matter how stressed you are, the energy on campus is infectious.” Whether you’re studying at institutions like Wits, UCT, or a private academy, you’ll find a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.
7. A Stepping Stone to the Industry
Drama school connects you to the industry, giving you opportunities to perform in showcases, interact with casting directors, and gain practical experience. Many drama programmes also include modules like acting for the camera, ensuring you’re prepared for both stage and screen work.
8. Discovering Yourself
Drama school is not just about learning techniques; it’s also about self-discovery. You’ll find your unique style as a performer, identify your strengths, and understand what sets you apart in a competitive industry.
Acting Schools in Gauteng
AFDA Johannesburg
AFDA Johannesburg is one of the most prestigious film and performance schools in South Africa, located in Braamfontein Werf. It offers a comprehensive acting programme designed to equip students with both technical and creative skills in performance for stage and screen.
Website: AFDA Johannesburg
Address: 41 Frost Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092
Contact: +27 11 482 8345
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
National Children’s Theatre
Known for its focus on young talent, the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown offers acting courses and workshops designed to nurture and develop the skills of aspiring young actors.
Website: National Children’s Theatre
Address: 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
Contact: +27 11 484 1584
National School Of The Arts
Situated in Braampark, the National School Of The Arts provides a specialised curriculum that combines general education with arts-focused subjects, including acting, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in the performing arts.
Website: National School Of The Arts
Address: Unnamed Road, Braampark, Johannesburg, 2001
Contact: +27 11 339 6539
Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts
The Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts is located in Randburg and offers a hands-on approach to acting, providing professional training for those looking to work in theatre and film.
Website: Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts
Address: 47 Main St, Linden, Randburg, 2104
Contact: +27 82 577 4716
African Academy Of Cinematic Arts (AACA)
The African Academy of Cinematic Arts (AACA) offers acting courses in Randburg, focused on cinematic performance. It’s an ideal choice for students looking to break into the film industry.
Website: AACA Film & Acting School
Address: 284 Oak Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
Contact: +27 63 692 3918
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Figment School of Dramatic Arts
Located in Alberton, the Figment School of Dramatic Arts offers a variety of acting classes for all ages. Their focus is on developing not only acting skills but also confidence and public speaking abilities.
Website: Figment School of Dramatic Arts
Address: 46 St Aubyn Road, New Redruth, Alberton, Johannesburg
Contact: +27 82 927 4936 | figmentschool@outlook.com
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The Model Academy
The Model Academy in Ferndale, Randburg, offers courses in both acting and modelling, providing a well-rounded approach to performance arts. It’s ideal for those looking to break into film, television, and modelling.
Website: The Model Academy
Address: 258 Main Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
Contact: +27 76 396 8215
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Star Quality Creative Arts College
Star Quality Creative Arts College is based in Ferndale and offers comprehensive training in the performing arts, including acting, dance, and music. Their curriculum is designed to develop versatile performers.
Website: Star Quality Creative Arts College
Address: 366 Pretoria Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2196
Contact: +27 11 036 5666
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Acting Schools in Cape Town
Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop
Located in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop is an internationally renowned acting school offering workshops and acting classes for all skill levels.
Website: Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop
ACT Cape Town
ACT Cape Town is a leading film academy that specialises in acting for film. It provides professional training and offers students opportunities to gain practical experience in the industry.
Website: ACT Cape Town
Waterfront Theatre School
Waterfront Theatre School, situated in the prestigious Waterfront district, offers a wide variety of courses, including acting, musical theatre, and dance. It’s a great choice for those looking to train in multiple disciplines.
Website: Waterfront Theatre School
Cape Academy of Dramatic Art
Cape Academy of Dramatic Art (CADA) offers internationally accredited courses in both acting and teaching drama. It’s a strong choice for those wanting a blend of academic and practical training.
Website: Cape Academy of Dramatic Art
Acting Schools in Durban
AFDA Durban
AFDA’s Durban campus offers acting courses in a creative and dynamic environment. Their programmes are designed for students who want to build careers in film and theatre.
Website: AFDA Durban
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
DUT’s Drama and Production Studies programme equips students with the skills to pursue careers in acting and theatre production. It’s a comprehensive programme that covers acting, directing, and production.
Website: DUT Drama and Production Studies
Contact: +27 31 373 2194
Location: Mansfield School, Steve Biko Road, Durban
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy offers acting classes in Durban for all age groups, focusing on developing confidence and communication skills along with performance abilities.
Website: Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Location: Forest Drive, La Lucia, Durban
Whether you’re in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Durban, there are many excellent options for studying acting in South Africa. Choose the institution that best fits your goals, and take the first step towards a career in the performing arts.
