HONOURS PROGRAMME IN DRAMA AND THEATRE STUDIES
Code: 54267 - 778(120)
Nature of programme
The programme focuses on the concept of performance (on the stage, radio, TV, film, etc.), which is studied in the three compulsory theoretical modules and then investigated experimentally in the student’s choice of specialisation. Each student chooses ONE specialisation in consultation with staff.
Compulsory modules
Introduction to research methodology (Drama and Theatre Stud) 771 (10)
Advanced Theatre and Media Theory 772 (20)
Advanced Text and Performance Analysis 773 (20)
Research assignment: Theory and Methodology of Specialisation 774 (30)
Field of Specialisation (Drama and Theatre Studies) 775 (40)
Assessment and examination
A system of continuous assessment is used.
Enquiries
Programme co-ordinator: Dr Schalk van der Merwe
Tel.: General office at 021 808 3216
E-mail: schalkw@sun.ac.za
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION AND ADMISSION POLICY FOR HONS AND THE FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
GENERAL
There are various steps in the admissions process. Students must comply with the following criteria to gain access to Hons:
First round:
• A Bachelor's degree with at least 60% average over the 3 years in Theatre studies (or an equivalent). This is the first criteria. A higher mark for Theatre Studies can be used as a cut off mark for a particular year, depending on the amount and quality of students applying to follow the programme.
Second round
• At least 60% average in Theatre Arts and Theatre Skills (or equivalents)
Third round
• Each field of specialization has separate criteria that include auditions, interviews, showreel and/or portfolios. Academic acceptance does not imply acceptance for a particular field of specialization.
• The Drama Department retains the right to deny a student access to Hons if any doubt exists on the skills of students that are not stipulated in the above mentioned criteria.
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• The amount of applications, the quality of the applications, as well as the available staff, infrastructure and available places can determine the content of the criteria of admissions for a specific year.
• The results of the selection process are final. No correspondence will be entered into after the announcement of the results.
Voice and Speech
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• Students that have not received their Bdram or BA (Drama and Theatre studies) degree from the US Drama Department, must have (1) a 3 year B-degree in Drama and/or Theatre or an equivalent qualification and (2) must give proof of voice and speech training similar to the training given in Stellenbosch.
• An interview process is necessary during which the student’s focus in the field of Voice and Speech will be discussed. Depending on the nature of the focus in the field, an audition can also be required.
Directing
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• Only 5 students will be accommodated in the Hons Directing course per annum. To qualify, the student must pass through the 3rd Year Directing block and show promise of talent and their work ethic. Students from elsewhere must submit examples of their work or will be expected to submit a project set by the person responsible for the course.
Acting
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• Students applying for the Hons Acting course will be accepted on their development over the three years in pre-grad. The student should have a solid work ethic and must have attained an acceptable level of technical expertise. Students from elsewhere must provide audition material or do an audition that will be judged by a minimum of 2 staff members involved in the course.
Cabaret
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• Students applying for the Hons Cabaret course will be accepted on strength of their work in the 3rd Year Cabaret Block. The student should have a solid work ethic and must have attained an acceptable level of technical expertise in singing and writing. Students that did not graduate from the US Drama Department must provide audition material or do an audition that will be judged by a minimum of 2 staff members involved in the Cabaret course.
Physical Theatre
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• An interview is necessary for this field of specialization.
• A portfolio of work (video clips etc.) can be included as a recommended, but optional extra.
• A cover letter should accompany the application, stating previous training in contemporary dance, mime, contact improvisation, yoga or other movement forms, since previous training is a requirement for this field of specialization.
Applied Theatre
• Students must meet the general admission requirements for postgraduate study for the Drama Department as stipulated on the Faculty webpage for Arts and Social Sciences.
• An interview is necessary for this field of specialization.