Stellenbosch University Drama Department, Welcome to the Drama Department of the University of Stellenbosch! We offer one programme on undergraduate level for prospective students, namely BA (Drama and Theatre Studies).
What is the focus of the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies)-programme?
This three-year selection programme is aimed primarily at training well-informed, creative and well-equipped theatre practitioners and scholars, who can make a meaningful contribution to the theatre industry and related fields in the South African context.
In the first two years the programme focuses primarily on drama and theatre in the traditional sense of theatre as an art devoted exclusively to the stage. In the third year the training focuses also on the performing arts and the entertainment industry in the broader sense. We offer two areas of specialisation between which prospective students choose:
- Acting and performance training
- Technical and management training
These practical specialisation areas are underpinned by a strong theoretical basis, including text analysis; principles of theatre research; and basic marketing and business skills.
Which subjects do the programme consists of?
Three compulsory subjects form the core of this programme, namely Theatre Studies, Theatre Skills and Theatre Arts.On basis level (first year of study) students choose two further subjects (of which one must be a language) that are offered by other departments in our faculty – the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. One of these subjects is continued with on intermediate level (second year of study).
Theatre Studies is a theoretical subject that is divided into semester modules. This means that a written exam is taken down at the end of each semester in the relevant modules. (The academic year of the University is divided into two semesters: February till June and July till November.) Theatre Studies is currently the only subject that the Acting and performance students and the Technical and managements students take together.
Theatre Skills en Theatre Arts are primarily practical subjects, although both also include theoretical components. The content of the subjects differ however according to the area of specialisation which students have chosen. Theatre Skills and Theatre Arts are year modules and are subdivided into different components. A system of flexible assessment is used to determine progress and achievement. This means that each component, according to its nature and content, is assessed in a specific manner. Examples of forms of assessment are: practical tests (solo or group performances, theatre performances, film and radio recordings); creative products (set designs, costume pieces, props); creative processes (progress during class work); and/or written tests and assignments.
The following table shows the programme layout and subject choices of the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme.
| BA (Drama and Theatre Studies)Programme layout and subject choices | | |
| BASIC LEVEL(First year) | INTERMEDIATE LEVEL(Second year) | ADVANCED LEVEL(Third year) |
| COMPULSORY MODULES: | | |
| Theatre Studies 114, 144Introduction to theatre history. Western theatre and principles of text study (Greeks until 20th century). | Theatre Studies 212, 222, 242, 252Textual analysis in context.Theory and forms of drama and theatre. | Theatre Studies 314, 324, 344, 354Film studies and analysis. History and nature of non-Western theatre (Eastern and African theatre). History and nature of South African theatre. |
| Theatre Arts 178Basic theory and skills in acting and improvisation.OR:Introduction to technical skills for stage production. Paint techniques. Costumes. | Theatre Arts 278Continued theory and skills in acting. Stage make-up.OR:Theatre Arts 288Application of technical skills for stage production. Costumes. Stage make-up. | Theatre Arts 379Continued theory and skills in acting. (Television and film, Radio and Theatre).OR:Theatre Arts 389Continued application of technical skills for stage production. Costumes. Make-up. |
| Theatre Skills 178Basic theory and skills in speech, voice and movement.OR:Basic theory and skills in technical aspects of theatre and media (including: Stage management, Design, Props, Décor). | Theatre Skills 278Continued theory and skills in speech, voice and movement.OR:Theatre Skills 288Continued theory and skills in technical aspects of theatre and media (including: Lighting, Sound, Video production, Design, Masks). | Theatre Skills 378Performance CreationOR:Theatre Skills 388Continued theory and skills in technical aspects of theatre and media (including: Production management, Video production, Lighting, Design). |
| ELECTIVES: | | |
| Choose TWO:Afrikaans and DutchAfrikaans Language AcquisitionAncient CulturesBasic Xhosa (only basic level)English Studies HistoryPractical Music Studies (only basic level)PsychologyVisual StudiesXhosa | Continue with ONE from basic level:Afrikaans and DutchAfrikaans Language AcquisitionAncient CulturesApplied English Language StudiesEnglish Studies HistoryPsychologyVisual StudiesXhosa | None |
PLEASE NOTE: The Drama Department follows an approach of bilingual actor training. Candidates who are applying for the Acting and performance training should bear in mind that the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme is offered bilingually (English and Afrikaans). In order to acquire the degree students have to complete and pass compulsory Afrikaans and English components.
WHAT IS THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
It is not necessary to have any former drama and/or theatre training to be considered for the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme. You simply have to comply with the following admission requirements:
- An average of at least 60% for the National Senior Certificate (excluding Life Orientation);
- At least a 4 (60%) in each of four designated university admission subjects*;
- Home Language at least a 4 (60%); and
- First Additional Language at least a 4 (60%).
(* List of designated university admission subjects:
Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Information Technology, Languages (one language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognised language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies and Visual Arts.)
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMME?
To be considered for the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme, you must complete and submit (1) an Undergraduate Application for Admission to the University and pay the application fee, and (2) complete and submit a Personal Information Sheet so that it reaches the University the previous year of intended studies.
If you are unsure about the application process or experience problems with the application process, contact Mrs Annatjie Moolman telephonically at 021 808 2508 (between 08:15 and 12:30) or via e-mail at [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: The closing date for applications that have to be considered for University accommodation is 30 June of the previous year.
WHAT DOES THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF?
The selection process consists of two rounds. The first round evaluates candidates’ academic profiles and compliance with the admission requirements of the programme. The second round of the selection process takes the form of a personal audition (Acting and performance specialisation) and/or an interview (Technical and management specialisation).
The second round of selection is only administered at the Drama Department of Stellenbosch University. It is usually scheduled over one of the weekends of the September/October school holiday. The second round of selection is by invitation only and is compulsory for all candidates who want to be considered for the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme.
The final results of the selection process is communicated via e-mail. Telephone enquiries in this regard can be made from the end of October to Mrs Annatjie Moolman (021 808 2508).
PLEASE NOTE: The results of the selection process is final. No correspondence will be entered into after the announcement of the results of the selection process.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?
For more information on the BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme, contact:
Mr Schalk van der Merwe (Prospective Students and First Years) (Office hours: 08:30 – 16:00)
- Telephone: 021 808 9546
- E-mail: [email protected]
Mrs Estelle Olivier (Second and Final year students) (Office hours: 08:30 – 16:00)
- Telephone: 021 808 3092
- E-mail: estelleb@sun.ac.za
For more information on Stellenbosch University and admission requirements, contact:
Mrs Annatjie Moolman (Office hours: 08:00 – 12:45)
- Telephone: 021 808 2508
- Fax: 021 808 3822
- E-mail: [email protected]