If you’ve got what it takes,
acting will take everything you’ve got!

Duration 2 year Diploma with optional 3rd year Advanced Diploma. Admission requirement A Grade 12 (Matric) Certificate or equivalent and a successful written evaluation with your application.

Acting is an intense discipline. It’s a highly competitive business as well: constant auditions, try-outs and self-promotion will be what it’s all about for you. CityVarsity graduates have an advantage especially at on-screen castings as many graduates from other schools have not been exposed to the technical environment of a film set.

The first year provides a solid foundation of the fundamentals of acting through acting exercises, theory and practice. You will work in front of the camera and do live performance. The syllabus includes the following subjects:

Acting Theory • South African and International Dramatic Text Analysis • Film Appreciation - Origins of cinema  • Scriptwriting • Theatre, film and television Reviews • GOTE Acting Theory (Goals, Obstacles, Tactics & Expectations) • Discussing Playwrights and their works

Performance Practical • Acting for Film and Television • Live Performance  • Audition Techniques • Improvisation • Stage Fundamentals • Monologues and Duologues • Presenting for TV-Multi-cam work • Stage Combat • In Depth Acting Exercises

Voice  • Anatomy and structure • Speech fundamentals • Voice production, including breath control and articulation & diction • Poetry and prose interpretation • Bartenieff’s Basics (BB6) – Body and Voice Integration  • Y-Buzz, +Y-Buzz and Calls

Movement • Relaxation • Dynamics of rhythm in movement • Movement improvisation • Physical theatre

During the second year, students gain intensive experience in applying these skills to recorded media and live performance, culminating in a public showcase at the end of the year.

Graduates perform as actors in films, TV shows, commercials and on stage. They also present on television and in corporate training and promotional videos (a big industry in South Africa). With a trained and versatile voice yet further opportunities will be open to you in film, radio, television and corporate video production as a voice artist.

After completing a BA Drama degree at Stellenbosch University, Werner furthered his studies by doing a BA Honors degree at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. He specializes in creative movement and choreography, including a physical theatre repertoire. ...
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