Where to Study Acting in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Actors

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  12 min read

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If youโ€™re pondering on where to study acting in South Africa, a slew of prestigious institutions come to mind.

Oakfields College is renowned for its performing arts course that provides practical experience and opens up promising career opportunities.

On the other hand, thereโ€™s the esteemed Rhodes Universityโ€™s Drama program, well-known for its unique offerings, high-caliber faculty, and impressive success stories of past students.

The AACA Film & Acting School stands out as a top choice with its intensive project-driven curriculum and testimonials from accomplished industry actors.

Act Cape Town Film Acting Academy offers specialized training, connections with notable film industry professionals and exciting opportunities.

Meanwhile, prominent South African universities such as The University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University also

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where to study acting in south africa

Oakfields College: A Leading Performing Arts School in South Africa

Where to study acting in South Africa? Well, Oakfields College is a name that often hogs the limelight. This institution commands respect in the performing arts industry. From all of our posts on popular theatre schools, Oakfields holds a special place on account of its reputation for nurturing talented actors.

The college offers a comprehensive acting course that involves participation in various performances and productions. By the way, these activities arenโ€™t just about learning the craft. They are designed to build both skill and confidence โ€“ vital ingredients for any aspiring actor.

An eye-catching aspect of studying at Oakfields College is potential career prospects. It provides a launchpad to Hollywood, with many past students finding their feet firmly planted in glitz and glamour.

Rhodes University: Excellence in Drama and Theatre Studies

Moving east from Johannesburg, Rhodes University emerges as another noteworthy destination for drama classes. Its Drama program has produced some of South Africaโ€™s finest talent โ€“ revered not just locally but globally.

In any case, what makes Rhodes unique? To begin with, it offers extensive courses on theatre and performance studies โ€“ covering everything from basics to advanced techniques. Notably though, its faculty comprises industry veterans who bring real-world experience into classrooms.

The AACA Film & Acting School: Top Choice for Aspiring Actors in South Africa

The AACA Film & Acting School is the crรจme de la crรจme of acting schools in South Africa. It receives unanimous praise from critics and students alike โ€“ ensuring a steady influx of aspiring actors each year.

All things considered, what does one expect from AACA? A rigorous, intensive project-driven experience! The school offers comprehensive courses that are practically oriented and designed to develop creative visionaries ready to make their mark on the film industry.

Act Cape Town Film Acting Academy: Leading Academy for Film Acting

You see, Act Cape Town Film Acting Academy is another institution worth considering. As a leading academy for film acting in the bustling city of Cape town, its curriculum emphasizes specialized training and practical learning.

Notable Drama Programs at South African Universities

Besides dedicated art colleges, various universities also offer robust drama programs. The University of Cape Town offers Drama Masterโ€™s degrees along with Bachelors and diploma courses in theatre & performance.

The University of Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University are other notable institutions offering professional acting courses that have proven to be excellent stepping stones towards promising careers in acting.

Part-Time and Online Learning Options for Acting Studies

Now that I think about it, not everyone has the luxury of full-time education. Fortunately, there are ample part-time studying options available too. Websites like SAFATA offer specialised short-term courses focusing on stage acting or filmmaking studies.

In conclusion, irrespective of whether you wish to make a career in stage performance or camera work, South Africa offers a plethora of opportunities for studying Acting. So, be sure to research well and choose the option that best aligns with your aspirations!

where to study acting in south africa

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If youโ€™re considering pursuing your acting ambitions internationally, thereโ€™s an array of locations to consider. Studying acting in London presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of a rich theatrical tradition. Notably, London is home to globally renowned institutions such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Alternatively, one could opt for a less conventional route by studying acting in Australia. The dynamic Australian film industry has been recognized for producing world-class talent, making it a worthwhile consideration. Upcoming actors might also want to consider studying acting in New York, where theyโ€™ll have access to the famed Broadway stage and numerous other reputable acting schools.

Building your acting career goes beyond just getting an education; practical experience is equally crucial. Leveraging resources such as Actorโ€™s Access can offer invaluable insight into available auditions and casting calls. However, itโ€™s essential to understand that not all roles require a formal audition. For instance, many directors cast directly from an actorโ€™s reel. Itโ€™s therefore vital be aware of guidelines regarding how long an acting reel should be.

Moreover, understanding various aspects relating to the profession itself can provide clarity about what it means to be an actor and the associated challenges or benefits: exploring posts on topics like โ€œactor job pros and consโ€ could be incredibly beneficial. After all, the more informed you are, the better your chances of navigating the industry successfully.

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My Personal Take about Where to study acting in South Africa

Hey there! Iโ€™m Steve Dez, your friendly guide in the glamorous world of acting.

You see, with over a decade of experience in Hollywood, Iโ€™ve come to understand every nook and cranny of this industry โ€“ from mastering the art of emoting to strategizing for your acting career.

Now that I think about it, one question that keeps popping up among aspiring actors is โ€œwhere to study acting in South Africaโ€œ. So, voila! Hereโ€™s my comprehensive guide titled โ€œWhere to Study Acting in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Actorsโ€.

Iโ€™ll be diving into some fantastic places where you can hone your craft โ€“ from highly reputed universities like the University of Cape Town, all the way to dedicated drama schools like AFDA. And by the way, Iโ€™ll also provide tips on how you can market yourself as an actor along with navigating the business side. All things considered, becoming a successful actor requires more than just talent.

In any case, remember that acting isnโ€™t only about fame and money; itโ€™s also a journey where you discover yourself while portraying various characters. And believe me when I say itโ€™s worth every bit of struggle! So hereโ€™s hoping this guide inspires you to take that leap towards your Hollywood dream! Stay positive and keep dreaming big because those dreams can turn into reality if fueled by determination and hard work.

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Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1:

South Africa has a variety of institutions where you can study acting, offering a range of programs suited to different interests and goals. Whether youโ€™re interested in stage performance or camera work, there are options available all over the country. From universities like the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University to specialized schools like Oakfields College and The AACA Film & Acting School, youโ€™ll find opportunities to develop your acting skills.

Takeaway 2:

If youโ€™re looking for a more intense and project-driven experience, The AACA Film & Acting School and AFDA offer programs that provide hands-on training in film and acting. These institutions are highly regarded in South Africa, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in practical work that prepares them for the industry. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, these schools offer valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

Takeaway 3:

Not everyone has the time or resources to commit to full-length programs, which is why there are alternative options available. Helen Oโ€™Grady Drama Academy is one such option with its part-time classes that cater to students with busy schedules. Additionally, there are short-term courses offered by SAFATA that focus on specific areas of interest like stage acting or film-making studies. And for those who prefer learning from the comfort of their own homes, online platforms provide distance learning opportunities. In conclusion, South Africa offers a diverse range of institutions where aspiring actors can pursue their dreams. Whether youโ€™re interested in universities with comprehensive drama programs or specialized schools focused on specific aspects of acting, there is something for everyone. With options ranging from full-length programs to part-time classes and online courses, individuals have the flexibility they need to shape their acting education according to their personal circumstances and goals.

When considering where to enhance your acting skills, be sure to check out the best acting classes globally. This guide presents top-rated options that have shaped successful actors in South Africa and beyond.



If your schedule doesnโ€™t permit traditional in-person classes, or youโ€™re based in a remote location in South Africa, donโ€™t fret! Embrace the convenience of learning at your pace by exploring some of the best online acting courses. With expert-led programs accessible from anywhere, you can kickstart your acting career right from home.



Whether youโ€™re a budding actor in Johannesburg or Cape Town, understanding what makes an excellent acting class is crucial. From understanding essential industry trends to interactive role-play sessions, these acting class guides ensure you make the most informed decisions about where to study acting in South Africa.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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