Durban University of Technology Drama & Production Department

Durban University of Technology Drama & Production Department

DRAMA AND PRODUCTION STUDIES

Tel: 031 373 2194
Fax: 031 373 2820
Location: Mansfield School, Steve Biko Road
Drama and Production Studies Handbook
The Drama and Production Studies Programme centres on the development of the individual actor or director. It is a multi-functional programme designed to train actors for a varied career in professional theatre, television, film and radio. In addition to this it seeks to provide specialist training in two chosen fields through two electives studied at a second and third year level.

Productions

Production Pictures
Coriolanus
Previous Productions
Gandhi
Hamlet Deconstructed

National Diploma: Drama

This is an intensive, full-time three year programme involving the study of theatre and the related arts. This three year programme focuses on the holistic development of the unique creative artist.
Drama graduates have, in the past, continued their studies by reading for a Higher Diploma in Education, (H.D.E.), a B. Tech Degree or a B.A. (Hons.).
This fourth year qualification is an option for students with excellent grades accumulated in the three year tertiary diploma and may prove beneficial to anyone wishing to teach within the education system or open their own studio.
The courses for this three year Diploma are offered as full-time courses in Durban only. Practical involvement is considerable and students may not refuse to participate in any such experience as may be arranged for them by the Department, even though the work is in an unpaid capacity. Students are encouraged to seek experience in the professional theatre, provided that such experience does not interfere with class work, production work or attendance.
The main thrust of the National Diploma: Drama is on developing the skills of the student as:

  • An Actor – Preparation for a career as an actor extends from class work in distinctive acting styles, to productions, both in front of a student audience and the general public in departmental productions. Students are also trained to work in other mediums of communication, particularly television and screen acting.
  • The Director – Throughout the three years of study, the student is exposed to the diverse skills needed in order to become a director. A study is made of various directors and directing techniques and in third year, each student is required to direct a short production. Workshopping also forms an integral part of the directing course.

Entry Requirements
National Diploma Drama Studies Entrance Requirements

  • Academic – Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification. Students must meet Institutional Registration requirements in order to enroll for the Drama Studies programme.
  • Audition – In addition to the minimum entrance requirements (as stated in G7), all prospective students are required to pass two auditions. At the first audition, the student presents a monologue and poem of his/her own choice as well as preparing an additional piece:
    • song
    • dance
    • mime

    If the student successfully passes this audition, he/she will then have to participate in a second audition. At the second audition, the student must, after completing a reading study, work in groups with lecturers on improvisation, dance, singing and sight-reading skills. The student must also present a set monologue and poem prescribed by the Department. The Department takes a maximum of 45 students per annum.