Undergraduate
BA in Drama and Theatre Studies
Where your creative vision meets real-world impact
Ready to turn your passion for drama and theatre into a career that actually matters? Our three-year BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) programme isn't just about putting on plays (though you'll definitely do that too). We're here to help you become the kind of creative professional who can navigate and shape South Africa's evolving entertainment landscape.
What makes this programme different?
Two paths, one creative journey
Choose your adventure from day one:
Acting & Performance Track
- Master your craft through focused vocal development and voice training, movement, character development, and scene work.
- Explore various approaches to performance and build a portfolio that showcases your range and artistic voice.
- Work with industry professionals who are actively creating theatre right now.
Technical & Management Track
- Learn the behind-the-scenes magic: costume design and construction, props and décor design and construction, stage lighting and sound.
- Dive into the organisational side by developing stage- and production management strategies and skills.
- Gain experience in work-integrated learning environments in our state-of-the-art theatre spaces.
Real skills for real careers
We're not just teaching you to perform Shakespeare (though you might). You're learning:
- Critical thinking through text analysis, research and reflective practice
- Collaboration in high-pressure, creative environments
- Problem-solving in complex and multi-faceted real-life situations
- Cultural literacy that positions you as a thoughtful artist in South Africa's diverse creative landscape
Your three-year journey
Year 1: Foundation & Discovery
- Dive into theatre studies: theory, history, and critical analysis (year-group lectures)
- Hands-on, small group practical sessions tailored to your chosen specialisation
- Plus, two additional subjects from across the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (one must be a language)
Year 2: Specialisation & Growth
- Deepen your expertise in your chosen track with advanced practical work
- Real-world application through increasingly complex projects and performances
- Continue one additional subject from Year 1 to broaden your perspective
Year 3: Industry Ready
- Expand beyond traditional theatre into film, digital media, and entertainment industry practices
- Capstone projects that showcase your unique artistic voice
- Professional preparation for immediate entry into the creative industries
How we assess your growth
Forget about simply sitting in exam halls memorising theory. Our approach to teaching-learning-assessment actually measures what matters by means of:
- Live performances (solo and ensemble work)
- Creative portfolios (set designs, costume pieces, original concepts)
- Written assignments (research essays, reflective exercises)
- Oral presentations (individual and group)
- Process documentation (showing your creative development)
- Collaborative projects that mirror real industry practices
Getting in: What you need to know
No drama experience required!
Seriously. We're looking for authenticity, creativity, and commitment – not a perfect audition monologue from high school.
The selection process
Round 1: Academic review
We evaluate your school performance and make sure you meet our requirements.
Academic admission requirements
- Overall NSC/IEB average: 65% (excluding Life Orientation)
- Home Language: 60%
- First Additional Language: 50%
Round 2: Show us who you are
- Acting & Performance Training: Personal audition where we want to see your potential, not perfection
- Technical & Management Training: Interview focused on your interests, problem-solving skills, and vision
When: First opportunity (early applications) beginning of August; Second opportunity (remaining applications) beginning of September
Where: Our campus in Stellenbosch (invitation only)
Ready to apply?
Application timeline
- Submit your university application + pay the application fee
- Complete the Personal Information Sheet (sent after your initial application)
- Application deadline: July 31st of the year before you plan to study
Application Support
Getting confused by university applications? We get it. Contact Ms Karla Koopstad for guidance:
- Phone: 021 808 9111
- Email: [email protected]
Still have questions?
Dr André Gerber (First-year selection process coordinator)
- Email: [email protected]
Ms Amelda Brand (Undergraduate programme leader)
- Email: [email protected]
Mrs Elrina Marais (Technical track coordinator)
- Email: [email protected]
Ms Brenda Chordnum (Drama Reception & General Office)
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 021 808 3216
Ms Karla Koopstad (Faculty Officer: Governance and Student Administration)
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 021 808 9111
Why choose Stellenbosch University Drama Department?
Career-orientated curriculum: Our curriculum is carefully scaffolded over the three years to prepare you for various career avenues, also in related fields.
Co-curricular programme: Test your wings within different creative opportunities outside of classwork, but still under the auspices of the Drama department.
Diverse creative community: Work alongside students from all backgrounds in a department that celebrates different perspectives and approaches to performance-making.
Collaborative learning: Every project is a chance to learn from your peers while building the teamwork skills that make creative industries work.
Critical and creative thinking: We don't just want you to follow directions – we want you to question, innovate, and contribute fresh ideas to South Africa’s creative landscape.
Industry connections: Our staff are working professionals with real-world insights into the realities of the industry, actively building connections with fellow practitioners across South Africa and beyond.