Johannesburg is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. From theatre to music to dance, the city is a hub for the arts. With so much artistic diversity, the city also has some of the best drama schools in the country.
The top 10 drama schools in Johannesburg are AFDA Johannesburg, CityVarsity Theatre School, The National School of the Arts, Boston City Campus & Business College, SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Life Performance, The Market Theatre Laboratory, The Johannesburg Youth Theatre, The South African School of Film and Dramatic Art, The Soweto Theatre, and The Joburg Theatre Academy.
Top 10 Drama Schools In Johannesburg
1. AFDA Johannesburg
AFDA Johannesburg is the South African branch of the AFDA College of Film and Television, a private higher education institution specialising in the areas of film, television, animation and live performance.
AFDA Johannesburg offers a range of full-time, part-time and online courses, ranging from diplomas and certificates to postgraduate qualifications, designed to equip students with the relevant skills and experience necessary for a successful career in the creative industries. AFDA Johannesburg also offers a variety of short courses and workshops, as well as corporate training services.
2. CityVarsity Theatre School
CityVarsity Theatre School is a private tertiary institution located in Cape Town, South Africa. It offers a range of courses in the performing arts, such as acting, music, dance, production, and make-up artistry.
The school provides an intensive, hands-on learning experience, with a strong emphasis on practical experience. CityVarsity also offers short courses in various performance disciplines, as well as diplomas and a degree in the performing arts.
3. The National School of the Arts
The National School of the Arts (NSA) is a public school located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1989, NSA is the only school of its kind in Africa. It provides a unique learning environment that combines rigorous academic study with professional training in the performing, visual and media arts.
The school’s mission is to develop young artists and to create a culture of creativity and excellence in the arts. NSA has earned numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding achievements in the arts, including the prestigious National Arts Merit Award for Excellence in Education.
4. Boston City Campus & Business College
Boston City Campus & Business College is one of South Africa’s leading private higher education institutions. Established in 1991, it provides a wide range of accredited, quality educational programmes and courses in the fields of business, IT, marketing, finance and accounting.
The college has a strong focus on quality and provides students with a range of support services and extra-curricular activities. It has a range of campuses across South Africa, and also offers a range of online study options.
5. SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA)
AFDA (the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) is the leading film, television and performance school in South Africa. It offers a range of full-time, part-time and online courses that are accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training. AFDA also offers a variety of events, workshops and seminars for aspiring filmmakers and actors.
The school is committed to providing a dynamic, creative and professional learning environment for students, and to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and actors. AFDA has produced some of South Africa’s most successful filmmakers, actors, and television personalities.
6. The Market Theatre Laboratory
The Market Theatre Laboratory is a theatre, performance and education centre based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was founded in 1976 by Barney Simon and Mannie Manim and has become a major centre for South African theatre and cultural expression. It hosts a range of theatre and performance events, including performances, workshops, lectures, readings and film screenings.
The Laboratory also works with a variety of community, educational and cultural organisations to promote the arts and encourage youth development. The Laboratory has been the birthplace of some of the country’s most renowned plays and actors, such as Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona. It is an important part of South Africa’s cultural landscape and continues to be a major influence in South African theatre.
7. The Johannesburg Youth Theatre
The Johannesburg Youth Theatre (JYT) is a South African non-profit organisation that provides an accessible and affordable platform for young, aspiring actors to develop their craft. JYT provides a safe and creative space for young people to explore the world of theatre, learn acting techniques, and build confidence.
JYT also offers acting classes and workshops, as well as youth drama projects and performances. JYT’s mission is to empower and inspire young people to reach their full potential through creative exploration.
8. The South African School of Film and Dramatic Art
The South African School of Film and Dramatic Art (SASFDA) is a premier training institution for the Film and Television industry in South Africa. Established in 2004 by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), SASFDA offers a two-year full-time programme of study in filmmaking, acting and theatre production.
The curriculum is designed to equip its students with the skills and knowledge required to become successful professionals in the film and television industry. SASFDA also offers short-term courses and workshops in areas such as directing, cinematography and scriptwriting. The institution is committed to providing opportunities for South African talent to excel in the industry and contribute to the growth of the South African film and television industry.
9. The Soweto Theatre
The Soweto Theatre is a state-of-the-art theatre located in Soweto, South Africa. The theatre was established in 2010 and is the first of its kind in the area. It features a variety of programming, including music, theatre, dance, and comedy.
It also hosts several international acts. The theatre has seating for up to 800 people and offers a variety of ticket options. It is a great venue for locals to enjoy live entertainment and a great way to support the arts in Soweto.
10. The Joburg Theatre School
The Joburg Theatre School is a performing arts school in Johannesburg, South Africa. It offers a range of courses from introductory to advanced levels, in both local and international performing arts styles. The school offers courses in dance, music, drama, singing, and more. The school also has an extensive outreach program that provides educational and creative opportunities to communities and individuals who may not otherwise have access to these kinds of activities. The school provides a platform for young, aspiring performers to learn and develop their skills, while also providing opportunities for professional development and career growth.
(Arranged in no specific order)
List Of Drama Schools In Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a popular city in South Africa and is one of the best places to find good drama schools
- The National College of Drama
169 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
- The Market Theatre Laboratory
138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113
marketlab.co.za
- National School Of The Arts Theatre
Unnamed Road, Braampark, Johannesburg, 2001
artschool.co.za
- Taylor a Speech & Drama
66 Marion Pl, Dowerglen, Edenvale, 1609
- JATA – Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts
47 Main St, Linden, Randburg, 2104
jata.co.za
- UJ Con Cowan Theatre
31 Bunting Rd, Cottesloe, Johannesburg, 2092
arts.uj.ac.za
- The Speech And Drama Academy
163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
sadramaacademy.co.za
- Artshub Institute
148 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113
artshubinstitute.co.za
- The South African musical theatre academy’s head office
122 Wedgewood-Green, Smith Street, Bedfordview, 2094
- AFDA Johannesburg
41 Frost Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092
afda.co.za
- National Academy of Performing Arts SA
Johannesburg, 101 Swartkoppies Rd, Johannesburg South, 2000
- DIGMAC (Digital Media Arts College)
5th floor, 38 Melle St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
digmac.co.za
- SANS Group
sansgroup.co
- Figment School of Dramatic Arts
46 SaintAubyn St, New Redruth, Alberton, 1449
figmentschool.co.za
- AACA Film & Acting School
284 Oak Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
aaca.co.za
- CityVarsity – Braamfontein Campus
125 Simmonds St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
cityvarsity.co.za
- Ktlcasting
2 Johannesburg Rd, Highlands North, Johannesburg, 2192
ktlcasting.co.za
- National Children’s Theatre
3 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
nctheatresa.org
- Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Germiston Studio
St Mary and St John Church, 4th Avenue, Lambton, Germiston, 1401
helenogrady.co.za
- Wits Theatre Complex
24 Station St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
wits.ac.za
- The Market Foundation
138 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2048
markettheatre.co.za
- Little Actors Speech, Drama & Etiquette Academy
littleactors.co.za
- Professional Kids
57 4th Ave, Melville, Randburg, 2092
prokids.co.za
- Dalia Farah Scenography
The University of the Witwatersrand, Wits School of Arts, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
dalia-farah.com
- Strydrom Drama Studio
14 Jonathon Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1619
- Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Brackenhurst Studio
Gereformeerde Kerk, Renonkel Street, Brackenhurst, 1448
helenogrady.co.za
- Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Blairgowrie
Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Park Ln, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, 2123
helenogrady.co.za
- Buzz Towers
41 7th St, Linden, Randburg, 2104
buzzdrama.com
- Starise Studio
151 Von Wielligh St & Commissioner, Johannesburg, 2001
- Indigo View
3 Diamond Close, Edenburg, Johannesburg, 2146
- Kids Radio School
66 Carr St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113
- Fame Academy
Crawford College, Waterstone Dr, Benmore Gardens, Johannesburg, 2196
fameacademy.co.za
- Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking
25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2006
bigfish.org.za
- Stageworx School of Performing Arts
Shop 21A, Northview, Shopping Centre, Northview Rd, Randpark Ridge, Randburg, 2169
stageworx.co.za
- UJ Arts & Culture
The University Of Johannesburg, Corner of Kingsway Ave and, University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092
arts.uj.ac.za
- Espoir Academy of Academics & Performance Art
31 Rifle Range Rd, Ridgeway, Johannesburg South, 2091
espoiracademy.co.za
- NAPA Drama and Dance Factory
83 Nelson Mandela avenue, Corner Leipoldt St, Randhart, Alberton, 1449
- Figment School of Dramatic Arts
4 Atmore St, Brackenhurst, Alberton, 1448
figmentschool.webs.com
- Parktown High School for Girls
55 Tyrone Ave, Parkview, Johannesburg, 2193
parktowngirls.co.za
- Central Johannesburg College
Sivewright Ave, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
cjc.edu.za
- Footlights Drama Academy
Covenant Life Centre, 25 Webb St, Northmead, Benoni, 1501
- South African Film, Acting & Theatre Academy
7 Kyalami Blvd, Kyalami Business Park, Midrand, 1684
safata.co.za
- Speech and Drama College (South Africa)
36 Amarant St, Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort, 1709
speechanddramacollegesa.co.za
- National youth theatre
5 Junction Ave, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
- RISE Academy Head Office
173 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
riseacademy.co.za
- POPArt: Theatre
Kapteijn St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001
popartcentre.co.za
- Victory Theatre
No. 105 Louis Botha Avenue, Corner Osborn Rd, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
victorytheatre.co.za
- TA-DA! Theatre Arts and Drama Academy
Cradlestone Mall CNR N14 &, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, 1751
tadatraining.co.za
- Act1 Voice Training & Drama Studio
145 Alberts Rd, Newlands, Johannesburg, 2092
- Russian School of Ballet
Cnr of 15th Street and, 2nd Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, 2193
russianschoolofballet.com
- Joburg Theatre
163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
joburgtheatre.com
- Kingclip Casting, Acting and Voice Agency
and, G09 Design District Cnr Keyes, Tyrwhitt Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
kingclip.co.za
- Saranti’s Music Lessons
33 Kingston Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092
- St John’s College, Johannesburg
St David Rd, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
stjohnscollege.co.za
- Jeppe High School for Girls
160 Roberts Ave, Kensington, Johannesburg, 2094
- Sacred Heart College
15 Eckstein St, Observatory, Johannesburg, 2198
sacredheart.co.za
- SPELLBOUND PUPPETS
South Kensington, Johannesburg, 2146
- The Alexander Theatre
36 Stiemens St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
joburg.co.za
- Drama Kidz
25 Hamilton Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg, 2196
- Drama Department
University of Pretoria, Ring Rd, Hat, Pretoria, 0083
up.ac.za
- The Economist School of Economics
Braampark, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 0000
- Wonderland Pictures SA
45 Dawe St, Troyeville, Johannesburg, 2000
seriesardis.wixsite.com
- Southwest Media College
38 Melle St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
swmc.co.za
- David April
1 Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113
edudance.co.za
- ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE
51 Silwood Rd, Bramley, Johannesburg, 2090
rad.org.za
- The Animation School
110 Conrad Dr, Craighall Park, Randburg, 2196
theanimationschool.co.za
- ACTOR SPACES
44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092
- Wits Downstairs Theatre
Jorissen St, Johannesburg, 2000
- DMH Talent Agency
61 Woodlands Ave, Hurlingham, Sandton, 2070
dmhagency-jhb.com
- University Of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, 2000
- co.za
jozikids.co.za
- Footprint Media Academy
1 Lewis Rd, Richmond, Johannesburg, 2092
fmtva.co.za
- Talent Coaching Academy (TCA)
Willow Wood Office Park Cnr 3, Cedar Rd, Broadacres Park, Johannesburg, 2021
talentcoachingacademy.co.za
- ADK-Drama & Film Vanderbijlpark
35 Offenbach St, Vanderbijlpark S. W. 5, Vanderbijlpark, 1911
adk-drama.co.za
- JOBURG BALLET
Hoofd St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
joburgballet.com
- Drama Dynamics
860 Dali St, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0181
dramadynamics.co.za
- Motivational Speaker
Royal court, 219 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, Johannesburg, 2001
motivational-speaker-performing-arts-theater.business.site
- Kew Modeling And Casting Agencies
35 11th Rd, Kew, Johannesburg, 2090
sites.google.com
- Abbotts College Johannesburg South
27 Ferdinand St, Suideroord, Johannesburg, 2091
abbotts.co.za
- Parktown Boys’ High School
20 Wellington Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
parktownboys.co.za
- Fame FET
11 Diagonal Street, 17 Diagonal St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001
- Jeppe High School for Boys
Good Hope St &, Roberts Ave, Kensington, Johannesburg, 2094
jeppeboys.co.za
- Act Drama Studios
237 Harold Kitson Cres, Garsfontein, Pretoria, 0042
actstudios.co.za
- OUTREACH FOUNDATION COMMUNITY CENTRE
30 Edith Cavell St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001
outreachfoundation.co.za
- The South African Film and Television Academy
104 Frere Rd, Bezuidenhout Valley, Johannesburg, 2094
- The Dance Factory
10 Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2000
newtown.co.za
- King Edward VII Preparatory School
Oak St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
keps.co.za
- The Market Theatre
56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001
markettheatre.co.za
- Wits Great Hall
3 Jorissen St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
wits.ac.za
- Maryvale College
High School, 10 St Marys Rd, Maryvale, Johannesburg, 2192
maryvalecollege.co.za
- The Art of Movement – dance, yoga & fitness studio
101 Barry Hertzog Ave, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195
theartofmovementsa.com
- Auckland Park Academy of Excellence APAX
48 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092
apax.co.za
- Goethe-Institut South Africa
119 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg, 2193
goethe.de
- Central Johannesburg College
M30 Canning Rd, Bramley View, Johannesburg, 2090
cjc.edu.za
- Soweto Theatre
cnr Bolani Link and Bolani Rd, Jabulani, Soweto, 1868
sowetotheatre.com
- Artist Management
114 Henleyweg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2000
michealjulius.co.za
- Dancelot Dance Studios
1 Hawley Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2008
dancelot.org
- Small World School
36 Fairbridge Rd, Franklin Roosevelt Park, Randburg, 2195
smallworldschool.co.za
- The Ridge School
26 Woolston Rd, Westcliff, Randburg, 2193
ridgeschool.co.za
- Dansation
50 Concorde E Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston, 2008
dansationstudio.co.za
- Wits Linder Auditorium
27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193
wits.ac.za
- Kids on Camera Casting Agency
83 Iris Rd, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2192
kidsoncamera.co.za
- Maryvale College – Pre-Primary and Primary School
Cheltondale Rd, Cheltondale, Johannesburg, 2192
maryvalecollege.co.za
- Netcare Rand Hospital – Theatre
33 Bruce Street, Berea, Johannesburg, 2198
- Redhill School
20 Summit Rd, Morningside, Sandton, 2057
redhill.co.za
- American International School of Johannesburg
Scorpion Trail St, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand, 1682
aisj-jhb.com
- Musical Muse Development
5 Sandalwood Cres, Dowerglen, Edenvale, 1609
musicalmuse.co.za
- DanceIt Studios
40 Van Beek Ave, Glenvista, Johannesburg, 2091
danceitstudios.co.za
- Keyboard Magic
47 Sapphire St, Farrarmere, Benoni, 1501
- Theatre On The Square, Sandton
Nelson Mandela Square, West St, Sandown, Sandton, 2031
theatreonthesquare.co.za
- UMG Live
2 The Zone @ Rosebank, Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
umglive.africa
- Bernard Price Building
Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
wits.ac.za
- St Stithians College
40 Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 2060
stithian.com
- Chameleon Casting
Northfield Ave, Glenhazel, Sandton, 2196
samdb.co.za
- East Rand School of the Arts
1 Jones St, Daveyton, Benoni, 1507
ersa.co.za
- National Film & Video Foundation
87 Central St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
nfvf.co.za
- Gold Reef City Casino
Cnr Northern Parkway and, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, 2159
goldreefcity.co.za
- Oha Films Inc.
114 Helen Joseph St, Johannesburg, 2000
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
wits.ac.za
- Oxbridge
Absa Tower, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094
- Dimensional Stunt School’s
Beit St & Pearce Street, Doornfontein, Gauteng, 2028
stuntschool.co.za
- Auckland Park Theological Seminary
55 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092
ats.ac.za
- Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School
Commissioner St, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1619
sirpierre.co.za
- Kingsway Campus Auckland Park
Rossmore, Johannesburg, 2092
uj.ac.za
- The Bioscope Independent Cinema
44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2092
thebioscope.co.za
- Wits Alumni Relations
Wits Club Complex Alumni House 1 Alumni Lane, Johannesburg, 2000
wits.ac.za
- Enko Education Headquarters
1 Sandton Drive 3rd F6545tggxh floor, The Place, Sandhurst, Sandton, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
Prestige Football Development Academy
- The South African State Theatre
320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria, 0001
statetheatre.co.za
- SAVF Claremont
19 Newlands Rd, Newlands, Randburg, 2092
wtschool.co.za
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Conclusion
Each school has its unique approach to teaching drama, with a focus on developing the skills and confidence of its students. CityVarsity, for instance, focuses on the technical aspects of theatre, while Wits School of Arts focuses on the creative and intellectual aspects. AFDA Johannesburg offers a broad range of courses in film, television and live performance.
The Market Theatre Laboratory focuses on physical theatre, while the Joburg Theatre Academy focuses on developing the actor’s craft. North-West University Potchefstroom Campus combines theatre and music to create a unique learning experience. The National School of the Arts is a top-tier school for aspiring actors, directors and producers.
Lyric Theatre offers a wide range of classes in all aspects of theatre, from acting to lighting design to scriptwriting. Drama For Life focuses on the therapeutic potential of drama, while the National School of Arts offers courses in music, drama and dance.
Attending a drama school show that you have a great dedication to your career and, as long as the school is reputable and you demonstrate a willingness to learn, it will be easier, at the end to succeed as an actor. Moreover, Johannesburg is an awesome city where you will find a lot of efficient and world-class drama schools.
Whether you are looking to learn the technical aspects of theatre, hone your creative and intellectual skills, or develop your acting craft, these schools offer a range of courses to fit your needs. With a wide variety of courses and specialities, these drama schools provide the perfect opportunity to develop your skills and pursue a career in the arts.
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