University of Stellenbosch 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.
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BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) Programme layout and subject choices
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| BASIC LEVEL(First year) | INTERMEDIATE LEVEL(Second year) | ADVANCED LEVEL(Third year) |
| COMPULSORY MODULES:
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| |
| 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 288 Application of technical skills for stage production. Costumes. Stage make-up. |
Theatre Arts 379Practical exploration of alternative theatre and media forms (including Physical theatre, Applied theatre, Puppet theatre, Creative script writing, Cabaret, Directing, Television and film, Radio).
OR: Theatre Arts 389 Continued 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 278
Continued theory and skills in speech, voice and movement. OR: Theatre Skills 288 Continued theory and skills in technical aspects of theatre and media (including: Lighting, Sound, Video production, Design, Masks). |
Theatre Skills 378Word Art, accents and continued movement.
OR: Theatre Skills 388 Continued theory and skills in technical aspects of theatre and media (including: Production management, Video production, Lighting, Design). |
| ELECTIVES:
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| |
| Choose TWO:Afrikaans and Dutch
Afrikaans Language Acquisition Ancient Cultures Basic Xhosa (only basic level) English Studies French German History Practical Music Studies (only basic level) Psychology Visual Studies Xhosa |
Continue with ONE from basic level:Afrikaans and Dutch
Afrikaans Language Acquisition Ancient Cultures Applied English Language Studies English Studies French German History Psychology Visual Studies Xhosa |
None |
The Department offers a unique set of professional and academic programmes aimed at postgraduate training in Drama and Theatre Studies. Our programmes may contain both practical and theoretical components and tuition is in Afrikaans and/or English. Content is specifically geared to suit the interests and needs of individual students. A range of specialisations are offered.
The master’s and doctoral programmes are also accessible to individuals with a theoretical knowledge of drama or media, for instance by means of a prior degree in literature or communication studies, or related qualifications.
University Of Stellenbosch Drama Department Program;
- Undergraduate Program
- Honours Program
- MA PROGRAMME IN DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES
- PhD PROGRAMME IN DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES
University Of Stellenbosch Drama Department Contact Details
Office hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:30 – 12:30 and Friday: 08:30- 12:00
Contact Details:
Telephone: (021) 808 3216
Fax: (021) 882 9141
Email: annalise@sun.ac.za
Physical Address:
General Office: Third Floor, Eikestad Mall, Stellenbosch
Departemental Chair: Victoriastreet 69, Stellenbosch
Postal Address:
Private Bag X1, MATIELAND, 7602
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