The aim of this qualification is to produce qualified, performing artists who can contribute to the South African Performing Arts Industries in creative and meaningful ways. It will equip qualifying learners with basic competencies in the performing arts in order to work successfully as actors, dancers, choreographers, and directors.

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This programme consists out of 9 modules (presumed that mathematics/mathematical literacy and two languages are passed on grade 12 level) and it is presented over a minimum period of 12-months.  This is a credit-bearing course. This is a full-time programme only which can be completed either on campus or on a blended mode (practicals on campus and theory online).

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MDG is an academic institution and not responsible for securing employment for our students/graduates. 

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Application requirements:

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Age:

Minimum age: 17 

Maximum age: 25

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Grade 12:

Compulsory or equivalent vocational training.  Current Grade 12 (or equivalent vocational learners) can apply with their latest school progress report.

 

Languages:

Passed two on grade 12 Senior (matric) Certificate level (or equivalent) - not less than 50%. 

One of which must be English.

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Mathematics / Mathematical literacy:

Passed on grade 12 Senior (matric) Certificate level - not less than 50%.

If not passed with 50% or more, learners will be charged R300 for the required mathematics modules to be taught. Bursaries and learnerships do not cover the mathematics modules.

 

Citizenship:

Only South African citizens.

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Fees:

* Please note that we do not provide NSFAS as we are not a public university.

* Our qualification is funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa.  Successful applicants will receive tuition free of charge.

* An R80.00 non-negotiable fine is payable for every assignment that a student does not submit before its due date.  This rule applies to all students (including learnership and bursary students). Students will receive an invoice and, in case of students receiving stipends, the amount will be deducted from the stipends.  Students with outstanding accounts will not be able to graduate until defaults are paid in full.

* Graduation ceremonies are paid-for events.  We do charge for the rental of graduation attire.  Photographs are not included in the price of the graduation ceremony as not all students wish to purchase photos.  Photographs are not compulsory and attendees are welcome to take their own photos as well.

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Application process: (Applications for 2022 open)

 

The system will automatically detect any disqualifying criteria and terminate your application if you do not meet our requirements.​  Once we have reviewed your application, we will contact you with further information.  Please do not contact us - we process high volumes of applications.

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Modules:

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* Identify job opportunities within the performing arts industry​ (4-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is to prepare learners to be resourceful in positioning themselves within the performing arts industry. 

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of: 

• Identifying the key role players in the performing arts industry

• Assessing their own strengths and weaknesses, personal interests and skills in order to investigate suitable education and career opportunities in the performing arts, media, advertising, marketing, and related arts fields

• Developing entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values to make an economic contribution to self and society in the performing arts and related fields 

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* Rehearse performance form​ (8-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is to prepare learners for performance in one performance form, by allowing them the opportunity to practice it.

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:

• Using elements of performance craft and physical technique in a performance form.

• Developing a character, role or message.

• Working in a group in rehearsals and classes.

• Displaying effective presentation skills.

• Using a variety of performance techniques and terminology.

• Interpreting performance texts with some basic understanding of context. 

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* Analyse performance texts in context ​​ (10-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is to provide learners with the skills basic to the appreciation and understanding of performance in order to become competent performers and practitioners.

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:

• Analysing existing performance texts in the context of their conception (original intention and worldview) and reception (in the past and present)

• Describing the relationships between performances and their historical, social, political, cultural, economic and theatrical contexts

• Identifying generic principles underlying performance forms [Range of generic principles include: human interaction, physical interaction, role and character, dramatic structure, focus, and dramatic tension, movement and dramatic action, sound, music and voice, language and text, space and time, theme and intention, genre, mood, symbol, and contrast.]

• Identifying culture-specific elements of performance forms in texts and performances. [Range of culture-specific elements include: specific performance conventions, specific use of language or music, specific styles of performance arising from cultural influences, etc.]

• Reflecting on and evaluating performance using all embedded knowledge

• Decoding symbolic levels of meaning

• Applying analysis to performance in order to better communicate meaning and express ideas

• Using research skills within a supervised environment

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* Conceptualise performance texts and performances​ (8-credits)

The qualifying learner is capable of conceptualising a performance from either an existent performance text or from scratch. 

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of: 

• Interpreting and analysing performance texts, whether written, visual or theatrical

• Researching the contexts of performance texts in order to fully understand the intent of the original creators

• Researching in order to generate ideas for the creation of an original performance text

• Identifying the performance skills, tools and techniques which will best encapsulate the vision of the piece

• Integrating performance skills, tools and techniques into a satisfying unified vision

• Drawing from own and others` experiences in order to generate ideas for the creation of an original performance

• Assessing the suitability and success of the final concept, according to the context of the performance.

• Drawing on diverse Southern African cultural influences, conventions, techniques and styles, as well as international precedents

• Communicating appropriately within the language of genre 

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* Perform performance form​ (15-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is to prepare learners to perform competently in one performance form.

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:

• Presenting a performance that engages the audience using appropriate elements of performance craft and physical technique.

• Developing a character, role or message using appropriate knowledge of performance text, contexts, methodologies and approaches.

• Integrating elements of performance using all appropriate knowledge of performance methods and performance craft.

• Critically reflecting on and evaluating performance using all embedded knowledge.

• Working in a group, accepting constructive criticism, using knowledge of group dynamics and communication techniques within the performance context.

• Displaying effective presentation skills including the use of technologies and performance conventions.

• Using a variety of performance techniques and terminology.

• Responding to the performance context, by applying appropriate conventions (theatrical/cultural).

• Interpreting performance texts within the appropriate context. 

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* Practice physical techniques for communication in performance​ (20-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is the establishment of a sound foundational competence in the physical techniques required for communication in performance.

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Learners who are credited with this unit standard have developed and consolidated skills, knowledge, values and attitudes in their performance technique, form and style. 
Those credited with this unit standard are capable of:

• Expressing and communicating ideas, thoughts and feelings using techniques, elements, principles and the vocabulary of their chosen performance forms

• Preparing the body as an instrument of expression taking into account principles of safe practice

• Using instruments, objects or technologies specific to the chosen performance form for communication and expression

• Adhering to human rights and responsibilities in relation to performance conventions and protocols. 

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* Use audience responses in performing (5-credits)

The purpose of this unit standard is to prepare learners to perform in front of live audiences and to use the feedback they receive to improve their performances.

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of: 

• Identifying the characteristics of a receptive and discriminating audience

• Identifying the composition and attitude of audiences

• Analysing audience responses

• Honing their performance to elicit the intended effect from the audience

• Using appropriate elements of performance craft and physical technique to sustain engagement with the audience

• Critically reflecting on and evaluating their own performances

• Strategising for future performances within the context of the direction of the performance 

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* Create original performances​ (12-credits)

This unit standard is for any person who wishes to write, choreograph, workshop or in any other manner, create an original performance, under supervision or mentoring.

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of: 

• Creating original performances which exhibit an understanding of generic dramatic principles and which communicate effectively through the visual and aural media

• Documenting their original performance in the form of a script, recording or dance notation. 

• Analysing and selecting a variety of approaches to the creation of original work.

• Selecting and integrating appropriate knowledge of performance styles, genres, conventions and techniques into their finished work. 

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* Direct performances (12-credits) 

The purpose of this unit standard is to prepare learners to direct performances under supervision. 

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Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of: 

• Interpreting and critically analysing performance texts within their contexts

• Directing a performance that engages the audience using appropriate elements of performance craft and theatre technique

• Integrating elements of performance into a seamless theatrical whole using all appropriate knowledge of performance methods and performance craft

• Critically reflecting on and evaluating performance using all embedded knowledge

• Leading a group, giving constructive criticism, using knowledge of group dynamics and communication techniques within the performance context

• Organising, co-coordinating and managing performance to the level of a performed event.