UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Auditions and Interview Requirements

 

 

WITS SCHOOL OF ARTS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: BADA (Bachelor of Arts, Dramatic Art)

An audition and interview is required for all applicants wanting to do the BADA degree. The BADA degree requires students to select two of the following PROFESSIONAL courses for the first two years of study:

The Hill

Directed by James Ngcobo 

 

  • Performance Studies (Acting, Voice, Movement)
  • Design Studies (Production design: visual research and presentation layouts, set and costume design for theatre, events, film and television)
  • Television Studies (Production, Theory and Writing Options)
  • Writing Studies

Auditions and Interview Requirements

For the auditions, all candidates are required to prepare work for both of the two professional courses – be clear about your first choice for the audition/interview.

Please bring the following to the audition/interview:

 

1 .   Resume and photo (see below)

2.  1 piece from the Primary Preference Section (in order of preference of your 1st Major)

3.  1 piece from the Secondary Preference Section (in order of preference of your 2nd   Major that is not the same as the piece from the primary preference section)

4.  A critical essay 2 3 typed pages long (see below)

 

 

 

1. Resume and Photo


All applicants must bring along a (1) 1 page typed resume and (2) 1 passport size photo of themselves in either black and white or colour. Please attach the photo to your resume.

Mute Echoes Directed by Warona Seane

Below are the details that must be included in the resume:

 

  • A brief mention of areas of drama and/or film and television you are interested in with a clear statement of why; 
  • A brief mention of your career aspirations;
  • A list of recent subjects studied with a copy of your latest results attached;  
  • A list of all extramural activities you are involved in, both cultural and other;
  • Indication of recent and ongoing community service in which you have been involved

Applicants should be prepared to answer several questions regarding their prepared pieces as well as their interest in the chosen area of study by the auditioning panel. Writing skills and critical ability will also be assessed during this question and answer session.

 

2. Primary Preference

Applicants must choose 1 of the following that is your preferred choice of 1st Major: 

 

•   If you choose Performance Studies, prepare a monologue from a published play text no longer than 3 minutes (please bring along a hard copy of the piece you will be performing)

OR

•   If you choose Television Studies, bring a storyboard and/or a portfolio of drawings no more than 10 images long detailing a short story or remarkable event you would like to turn into a short film

OR

•   If you choose Design Studies, bring a portfolio of your creative art work (designs, drawings, photos, any visual material you have created) that gives us a good indication of your ability as a designer

OR

•   If you choose Writing Studies, bring a creative piece of writing 2 3 typed pages long that shows your ability as a writer and storyteller. The piece can be a short story, a 1 act play, or a short film script.

 

2. Secondary Preference

Applicants must choose 1 of the following that is your preferred choice of 2nd  Major that is not the same as your choice from the Primary Preference Section.

 

•   A monologue (see above)

     OR

•   A storyboard and/or a portfolio of drawings (see above)

     OR

•   A portfolio of your work: designs, drawings, photos, (see above)

     OR

•   A piece of creative writing: a poem, short story, one act play (see above)

 

4. Critical Essay

A critical essay: 2-3 typed pages long, on a play, theatre maker/director, theatre movement, playwright, filmmaker, film, or film movement of your choice, or on any aspect of history or culture.

 

 

 

Please note that the professional options at third and fourth year level expand to include:

  •         Directing Studies
  •         Applied Drama and Theatre Studies
  •         Movement and Physical Theatre Studies
  •         Film and Media Studies

If you are sure that one of these four choices might be your elective in the final two years of study, then come to the audition/interview ready to discuss them.  Note that you will not be auditioned for these, nor will you be able to register for these courses until your third year of study.