Theatre and Performance - Wits University

Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Programme Code: AFA14

Immerse yourself in the theoretical and practical study of theatre and performance. The four-year BA in Theatre and Performance programme covers the historical and theoretical developments in dra- ma and film, as well as the theoretical and practical study of theatre, performance and cognate disciplines.

The degree helps you develop critical insight and imaginative intelligence, so you can become an innovative theatre-maker, performer, director, teacher, writer or designer. It also gives you real-world experience in all areas of the performing and communicative arts. You will work regularly in the Wits Theatre, a professionally run four-theatre complex with excellent facilities.

Career Opportunities

Choreographer
Critics
Director
Designer
Performer
Production and Arts Manager
Teachers/Facilitators/Academics
Theatre-Maker
Theorists
Writer

Curriculum

First-year

Course (A) is taken in the first semester and Course (B) in the second semester.

Performance Practice IA AND IB
Theatre and Production IA AND IB
Film, Visual and Performing Arts IA AND IB

AND

A student is required to complete two semester courses in one of the following languages: isiZulu or Sesotho or South African Sign Language (SASL). If a student is proficient in any two of the three languages (isiZulu, Sesotho or SASL), the student is advised to do one of the following: (i) register in a first-language stream for two courses in isiZulu or Sesotho, (ii) register for two courses in any one of the following: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish, or (iii) formally apply to the Dean for exemption from the requirement to register for a language subject. Where an exemption has been granted, students must add a course/s yielding at least 36 credits in a subject approved by Senate. A student may also be granted a credit if s/he has completed the same or an equivalent course.

Second-year

Performance Practice IIA AND IIB
Theatre and Production IIA AND IIB
Film, Visual and Performing Arts IIA: Storytelling across media and cultural contexts
Theatre and Performance Studies II

Third-year

Select four pairs of courses from the following:

Design IIIA AND IIB
Performance Studies IIIA AND IIIB
Directing IIIA AND IIIB
Applied Drama and Theatre Studies IIIA AND IIIB • Media Studies IIIA AND IIIB
Movement IIIA AND IIIB
Performance Studies IIIA AND IIIB
Introduction to Cultural Policy and Management • Funding Context in Cultural and Creative Industries
Writing IIIA AND IIIB
Theatre and Performance IIIA: Performance Theory
Theatre and Performance Studies IIIB: Studies in Theatre Practice
Music Composition Studies IIIA AND IIIB
Music Performance Studies IIIA AND IIIB
Interactive Media IIIA
Animation IIIA
Theories of Art
Film, Visual and Performing Arts IIIA: Aesthetics, Technologies and Commodity Cultures
Film, Visual and Performing Arts IIIB: Medium, Process and Criticality
Musical Theatre IIIA
Musical Theatre IIIB

Fourth-year

Select one course from the following:

Long Essay
Research Project
Drama Therapy Research Essay
Applied Drama Research Essay

AND, ANY four courses from the following:

Design IVA AND IVB
Directing IVA AND IVB
Applied Drama and Theatre Studies IVA AND IVB
Movement IVA AND IVB
Dramatic Literature and Production Studies IVA
Directions in Cultural Leadership
Film Studies IV
Media Studies IVA AND IVB
Writing IVA AND IVB
Cultural Entrepreneurship
Arts Marketing: Context, Strategies and Practices
Dance, Culture and Education IVA AND IVB
Animation IV
Interactive Media IV
Musical Theatre IVA AND IVB
Performance Studies IV: Minor Study
Music Performance Studies IV
Key Moments in the 20th Century Arts: Tradition and Innovation
Introduction to Drama Therapy

Entry Requirements

APS 34+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with entry requirements of at least 30-33 APS points are wait-listed, subject to place availability.

Additional selection requirements

Students must speak English as a Home Language OR First Additional Language and must meet the departmental selection procedures, which include auditions/interviews.

Bookings for Theatre and Performance auditions close in October 2023.

Closing dates

Application closing date for Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, and Bachelor of Arts in Film & Television: 30 June 2023

Application closing date for other degrees in Humanities: 30 September 2023

Residence application closing date: 30 September 2023

University Application Process

The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
Please click here for an overview of the application process.
Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Wits Plus applicants, applications can only be done online. We will be in contact with you should we require additional documentation.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.