*Note: Auditions Theatre & Performance for 2019 are now closed. No further or late auditions will be considered.
Auditions for 2019 class
All students will study together for six months, during which time they will be exposed to the various study streams on offer in the Centre. At the same time staff will have an extended opportunity to gauge the capabilities of each student and to be able to advise more accurately the direction each individual student should follow. At the end of the first semester, students will be streamed into six possible study streams; Acting, Dance Performance, Performance Making (Theatre Making / Choreography), Applied Performance & Education, Scenography (Design), and Academic Study (Theatre & Dance Studies and another major in the Faculty of Humanities). While no student can be guaranteed entry into any stream, every attempt will be made to match students with the stream that is most appropriate to their skill set.
All students will be accommodated in one of the streams, however if a student wishes to change their registration to another programme in the faculty in the end of the first semester, they will have enough credits from the first semester to transfer without a loss of time.
Calculating Admissions Points Score (APS)
The percentages achieved in National Senior Certificate examinations (preliminary and final examinations) will be allocated an admission score equal to that percentage. The sum of six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, but including English. Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score. For more information on the APS or your own eligibility, please go to the UCT Admission requirements page.
Applicants whose current APS is above 390 points must follow these steps:
Applicants must submit 3 items using our upload form by 30 October 2018. The earlier your video audition is submitted, the sooner we are able to consider your application.
ESSAY - The instructions for the essay can be found using the link: Essay Instructions
REFERNCE LETTER - The letter must be from a teacher or community leader. The instructions for the reference letter can be found using the link: Reference Letter Instructions
Applicants whose current APS is between 370 and 390 must follow these instructions:
The Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies strongly advises applicants whose current APS scores are between 370 and 390 points to attend an in-person audition. Only applicants who have attended an in-person audition will be considered for the Diploma in Theatre & Performance. If you final APS score is below 380 points, and you have not attended an in-person audition, we cannot consider you for either the BA Theatre & Performance or the Diploma in Theatre & Performance.
Applicants whose current APS is below 380 points must follow these instructions or are applying for the Diploma in Theatre and Performance:
Applicants with an APS score below 380 points are applying for the Diploma in Theatre and Performance must attend a successful in-person audition in order to qualify for a place in the Diploma in Theatre & Performance. No Video auditions will be considered for a place in the Diploma in Theatre & Performance.
Audition dates for 2018 are as follows:
SATURDAY 18 AUGUST 2018 - COMPLETE
SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2018 - COMPLETE
School of Dance, Lovers Walk, Rondebosch, Cape Town. Map.
Note that for all Professional Practice Programmes, an audition is necessary to be considered for admission.
Some FAQs:
When do applications close?
Applications for study in 2019 open in April 2018 and close on 30 September 2018.
How do I book and for an audition?
To book an audition, please complete the online booking form 2018. *Note: Auditions for 2019 are now closed. No further or late auditions will be considered*
What are the academic requirements?
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance (BA T&P: HB014)
Minimum requirement: NSC endorsed for degree study/Matric Exemption. FPS 380 with Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level and 50% for English Home Language or 60% for English First Additional Language. Successful audition.
Diploma in Theatre and Performance (DTP: HU020)
NSC endorsed for diploma study. Academic Literacy NBT score at Intermediate Level and 50% for English Home Language or 60% for English First Additional Language. Successful audition.
Is drama as Matric subject required?
Drama as a subject for Matric is not a prerequisite.
How much does the course cost? Are there any bursaries available?
For all information regarding Bursaries, Financial Aid and Fees, please consult the UCT Website using the following link:
Alternatively you could contact the Student Financial Aid Office on 021 650 3545 or email sfa-finaid@uct.ac.za
I am an international student and wish to study drama at UCT. How do I proceed?
Depending on how you wish to study drama, there are several options open to you as an International Student.
If you are interested in studying through the Semester Study Abroad Programme, then you should begin
by contacting the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) on int-iapo@uct.ac.za or +27 (0)21 650 2822.
Under this programme, students may choose classes from our Academic Drama Major courses. Students studying through Semester Study Abroad programmes may not enrol for our Professional Practice courses.
Should you wish to study a full undergraduate degree, then there are two options available – a BA Theatre & Performance (HB014) or a General BA with a Major in Drama (HB003).
Note that for all Professional Practice Programmes, an audition is necessary to be considered for admission.