AFDA is one of the most popular and established acting schools in South Africa. We found that they’re an outcome-based film school with about 25 years of experience that back them up.

Their staff is comprised of experts and well-educated professionals. In fact, some of their professors are well-known actors and voice artists. 

We also noticed most of them have post-graduate and doctorate degrees in the field that they teach, which we find remarkable. This way, we know that these instructors are well-versed in what they teach.

AFDA is fully accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and the Council on Higher Education (CHE). 

Moreover, they’re internationally-recognised and is an active member of CILECT, which we find impressive. 

So far, they gave rise to more than 4,500 graduates. They have also produced top-calibre actors such as Amanda Du Pont and Thapelo Mokoena.

We think what sets AFDA apart is its extensive selection of programmes that focus on Film, Acting, Business, Creative Writing, and Radio and Podcasting.

AFDA is commended for great-quality education and top-notch facilities on their campus. Students praise AFDA for having excellent staff and exceptional programmes.

However, there have been some recent criticisms on how the school handled its system transition during the pandemic, particularly its registration process. We hope AFDA addresses this and comes up with a systemised and efficient procedure moving forward.

Tuition-wise, their range is a little above the standards of undergraduate degree fees, but it’s quite typical for art schools. Still, we appreciate how AFDA offers workable payment plans designed to help students settle their fees in instalments.

National Children’s Theatre offers great acting and production classes for kids. They’re known to present live theatre performances headlined by their students all year-round.

What we found impressive about National Children’s Theatre’s work is that throughout the years, they’ve been able to engage children in rural areas, exposing them to the rich experience of live theatre.

National Children’s Theatre is partnered with several organisations that help fund the school and their activities. We think these partnerships are important in establishing the institution’s credibility, especially as they’re dealing with the next generation.

They provide short-term workshops on performing arts, music, drama, and plays. These workshops are usually held on weekends, or if they land on weekdays, they’re held only for a few hours. 

We think this is a great arrangement as it allows students who have regular classes on weekdays to attend. Moreover, their programmes are designed to be fun and interactive, which is perfect for young learners.

And great news: we hear that their admissions fees are really affordable, too. For their Saturday theatre workshops, for instance, the tuition fee is R 1900 for the whole school term.

Fees also depend on which workshop your kids will enrol in. Some workshops are cheaper as they’re held for fewer sessions.

We were just a tad disappointed that the backgrounds and qualifications of the instructors are not available online. This is an important element that many parents (and older students) look at before deciding on a school.

Another thing we think National Children’s Theatre needs to improve on is its facilities. We’ve heard several complaints from past clients about having too little space for productions and the facilities being not a child- and wheelchair-friendly.

Anyhow, we think National Children’s Theatre offers a memorable learning experience for young children who are interested in the arts.

The National School Of The Arts is one of the forerunners in specialised arts education, having been founded about 50 years ago. We think this is noteworthy if you’re very particular about expertise and credibility.

They have four departments – Drama, Art, Music, and Dance – and they offer their programmes to secondary-level students. We hear that faculty members in all departments are well-educated and respected individuals.

What we found noteworthy about the National School Of The Arts is that they implement a distinctive curriculum. In fact, they belong to a group of schools called Schools of Specialisation (SOS).

The National School Of The Arts follows the GDE CAPS Curriculum for grades 8-12. They also offer Specialised Arts Education, where on top of the general curriculum, learners are given nine hours of specialised learning on their chosen subject per week. 

We noticed that although they are an art school, they want their students to be grounded in general academic subjects. We think that this is a great way to produce well-rounded graduates.

Although we find their application process very tedious, we think that it’s a good way to identify the students who will truly be a solid fit for the school.

Another thing we found unique about the National School Of The Arts is they offer weekly or termly boarding for their students. While it’s an additional expense to think about, it’s a good option for students from outside Joburg who want to live closer to the school.

The National School Of The Arts is also complimented for their excellent staff. Parents and guardians find them helpful and professional and are generally pleased with the school’s support services.

Nonetheless, we noted that the school was built many years ago and its building is out of date. We hope the National School Of The Arts can improve its old infrastructures and outdated facilities to ensure the safety of children and provide better service.

Unlike most of the schools on this list, the Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts offers their programmes as a supplement to regular schooling or an enrichment opportunity for adults interested in continuing education.

Classes are held once or twice a week, usually on weekends, for the whole term. Also, the courses are taught by professionals and accredited teachers. 

Although they’re a relatively small organisation, we’re impressed that the Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts has a good number of seasoned coaches for Drama and Voice. 

The acting coaches are either professional directors, actors or voice actors, which speaks volumes about the experience and credibility of the teaching staff.

Students and parents describe the Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts as professional and passionate. We also took note that they received overwhelmingly positive feedback for their ability to build strong relationships with parents and partners.

We like that there’s something for everyone in terms of the curriculum. They offer their programmes in three stages: Early Stage (ages 3-6), Centre Stage (ages 6-16), and Main Stage (Adult: beginner to professional). 

Their tuition fees also vary depending on what stage you’re included in and whether you enrol in Drama or Voice/Music. We recommend connecting with the school directly to make an enquiry about your programme of interest.

Another thing we love about the Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts is their tuition rates are very affordable compared to other schools. Then again, this may be because they are not meant to take the place of regular schooling.

AACA Film & Acting School offers training in Film Making, Screen Acting, Theatre Acting, Journalism, Advertising, Graphic Design, Interactive Media, and Photography. 

They offer both full-time and part-time courses, and we think having that choice is a great plus in accommodating students and their unique needs. However, note that their programmes are exclusively for tertiary-level students

One convenient feature we like about AACA Film & Acting School is that they accept credit card payments. 

The school charges a registration fee of R 3000 – quite a hefty rate, in our opinion. For specific tuition fees, however, you would need to make a direct enquiry to the school.

We do like that they accept credit card payments, though. It may be possible then to settle your tuition in staggered payments.

One point of improvement for this school is to make its application process easily available on its website. 

Students constantly refer to it when preparing their applications, and it would be an inconvenience to keep having to call up the school to confirm certain steps and requirements.

While the AACA Film & Acting School is accredited with QCTO, MICT SETA and CATHSSETA and aligned with the Department Of Higher Education And Training, the roster of instructors is not also available on the website, which is quite disappointing.

AACA Film & Acting School also allows student actors and crews, as well as alumni crews, to be booked online for several types of productions. This is a unique feature that we discovered other acting schools don’t have.

We love this idea as it gives students an avenue to practise what they learn and hone their talents while getting paid.

Figment School of Dramatic Arts is one we recommend for aspiring and current actors looking to improve upon their current skill sets. This institution is known for its ability to work with actors of various levels, from beginners to seasoned talents.

Their staff of experienced professionals is well-versed in the latest techniques used in acting, and they will provide guidance to help you take your performance to the next level.

In addition, Figment School of Dramatic Arts is more than just an acting school; they also serve as an acting agency, connecting actors with reputable production companies around Johannesburg.

As such, this institution offers a wide range of programs to suit different types of actors and career goals.

With their proven track record and commitment to excellence, Figment School of Dramatic Arts is one we strongly recommend for our list of top acting schools in Johannesburg.

At The Model Academy, we embarked on a journey to refine our craft, and what a transformative experience it has been!

Our quest for excellence led us to a haven of unparalleled acting education, where we were welcomed with open arms and guided by seasoned mentors.

The Model Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent is unequivocally remarkable. Through a meticulously curated curriculum, we delved into a comprehensive array of acting techniques.

From classical methods to contemporary approaches, each lesson was a symphony of knowledge. Our thirst for learning found its oasis here.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, The Model Academy emerges as a beacon of convenience.

Their flexible scheduling options catered to our demanding commitments, allowing us to pursue our dreams without forsaking responsibilities. Whether in-person or online, the academy’s adaptability deserves resounding applause.

A name synonymous with excellence, The Model Academy’s reputation precedes itself. Renowned industry professionals grace its corridors as mentors, fostering an environment where aspirations are molded into accomplishments.

The walls reverberate with the success stories of alumni, a testament to the institution’s profound influence.

Our investment in The Model Academy was an investment in our future. While some might quibble over cost, we firmly believe that quality education is invaluable.

The academy’s tuition aligns with the expertise and guidance imparted, making it a prudent choice for those who recognize the worth of genuine artistry.

However, they don’t offer promos at the present. We suggest checking their website for other affordable deals.

Star Quality Creative Arts College also known as the SQCAC was established by Zinzi Zungu and Miranda Ntshangase in 2012. They started out as a solution to helping actors gain skills through workshops, expanded into the college being accredited by CATHSETA.

We are all aware that all schools provides cutting edge training and professional development for actors in their own ways. But what makes SQCAC stand out is how they help students to raise their game and succeed in an ever-changing media environment.

And by that, they teach both the business of acting and training the actor to the best of their ability!

Apart from these, we like that they allow monthly payments for their students. Which is a considerable thought as some students may also be a part-time employee.

In comparing them to other companies, they only have one program that requires you to take it for a year.

And the rest of the courses can be finished within just a 12-week timeframe!