Become a professional actor for film, television and theatre
Enquire Now – Enrolments close 31 January 2025
Act Cape Town has partnered with Student Hero and various educational funding providers to help you learn about, apply or pre-qualify for the different options to fund tertiary education, from a single platform and at zero cost to you. Follow this link to learn about, apply or pre-qualify for study funding.
Want to live your acting dream?
ACT NOW…
Full-Time Courses – Accredited / Internationally Recognised
Course Description
Taught by top industry professionals, the 2-year acting for film program prepares the student for work as a professional actor in the film, television and theatre industries.
The program consists of:
- Higher Certificate in Acting for Film (NQF 5 QUALIFICATION)
- Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film (NQF 6 QUALIFICATION)
Students are offered the flexibility of completing either one or two years depending on individual requirements. To be competitive in the industry, we recommend students complete the full Two-Year Program.
At the conclusion of the two-year program, students are given the opportunity to audition for the prestigious ACT Professional Program.
Class size is small and places in our courses are limited – please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Higher Certificate
in Acting for Film
Entry Criteria:
- South African National Senior Certificate (Grade 12), with a proficiency in English and a propensity for creative expression
- An audition before the College Director.
Course Info:
The Higher Certificate in Acting for Film concentrates on building a solid foundation in the craft of acting through exercises, mastering technique, theory and performance practice.
The year culminates in a film shoot showcased at Graduation.
For detailed info on audition / entry requirements, click here to download 2025 Application Form.
“Act Cape Town has given me the tools, knowledge and opportunity to apply myself as an actor and helped me bridge the gap from studying to working in the industry” – Evan Hengst, Actor (Lioness, The Kissing Booth)
Play Video
Full-Time Programs – Showcase Highlights
Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film
Entry Criteria:
- Higher Certificate in Acting for Film or the equivalent in formal acting training and/industry experience.
- An audition before the College Director.
For detailed info on audition / entry requirements, click here to download 2025 Application Form.
Course Info:
The Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film consolidates and refines the acting techniques learnt in the first year whilst further broadening the skills base necessary to be successful in the industry.
With an increased focus on project-based learning, advanced certificate students participate in a variety of productions, from voice-over, to theatre to short films. Students final work will be screened at Graduation. Material may be used for acting student’s show-reel.
Play Video
Unspoken screened at the Kyknet Silwerskermfees, a prestigious film festival, as well as on Showmax!
ACT Professional Program
Entry Criteria:
- Minimum NQF level 6 acting qualification or minimum 2 years informal acting training/relevant industry experience.
- An audition before a selection panel is required.
For detailed info on audition / entry requirements, click here to download 2025 Application Form.
Course Info:
The ACT Professional Program’ affords a select group of student’s unrivalled performance experience and exposure. Master classes with top industry professionals together with the internationally recognized LAMDA qualification, complete this unique mentorship program.
A hands-on, fully immersive production year, designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the profession.
A hands-on, fully immersive production year, designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the profession.
“Cut-Out Girls” Trailer – Produced by Act Cape Town Productions in association with Haas & Kaas, starring a full cast of ACT Professional Program Graduates!
CUT-OUT GIRLS SCREENED AT CINEMAS NATIONWIDE, ON DSTV BOX OFFICE AND IS NOW SHOWING ON SHOWMAX & AMAZON PRIME!
Cut-Out Girls is inspired by the #MeToo movement and is a film about date rape aimed at inspiring social change.
CUT-OUT GIRLS SCREENED AT CINEMAS NATIONWIDE, ON DSTV BOX OFFICE AND IS NOW SHOWING ON SHOWMAX & AMAZON PRIME!
Cut-Out Girls is inspired by the #MeToo movement and is a film about date rape aimed at inspiring social change.
2025 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Higher Certificate in Acting for Film
| Term 1 | 3 February – 28 March |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | 14 April – 27 June |
| Term 3 | 21 July – 26 September |
| Term 4 | 13 October – 21 November |
| Graduation | 11 December 2025 |
Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film /
ACT Professional Program
| Term 1 | 3 February – 28 March |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | 14 April – 27 June |
| Term 3 | 21 July – 26 September |
| Term 4 | 13 October – 21 November |
| Graduation | 11 December 2025 |
Accreditation & Affiliations
Through establishing ongoing affiliations and accreditation, we ensure that our programs are industry relevant, internationally recognised and deliver graduates with an accredited qualification.
Act Cape Town is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate No. No.2013/ HEO7/002.
Act Cape Town is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate No. No.2013/ HEO7/002.
Our Coaches
“With courses taught by award-winning industry professionals, you get the expertise you need to step into the local & international industry and pursue your dream!”
Grant Swanby
Academic Head/Programme Manager
Highly acclaimed and multi-award winning actor and producer, in the film, theatre and the television industry.
Sivenkosi Gubangxa
Coach
Award winning theatre actor, Sivenkosi, is currently completing her masters at UCT, while continuing to work as an actor and teacher.
Carishma Basday
Coach
Carishma is a professional actress, dancer, and model and has recently completed her 500-hour advanced teacher training.
Tamryn Speirs
Senior Coach
Award winning, New York trained, actress and director for stage and film, and certified international LAMDA teacher.
Rowan Studti
Coach
Rowan is a locally and internationally trained professional film and TV actor, and certified UCT teacher.
Rob Coutts
Coach
Locally and internationally trained actor and founder of The Long Shots, an acclaimed South African Improvisation Troupe.
Nicola Hanekom
Senior Coach
Highly acclaimed & multi-award winning actress, director and writer in the film, theatre and television industry.
Jan Fouché
Coach
Jan is an actor and director based in Cape Town who received his education in Advanced Acting for Film from Act Cape Town in 2015.
Mamello Makhetha
Coach
Mamello is an actress, voice artist, singer, performance artist, producer, and writer and specialises in Bilingual Acting.
Star Alumni Testimonials
5/5
“ACT has given me two of the best things needed to succeed in the acting world: preparation and opportunity.”
Jessica Sutton – Actress
(Motherland: Fort Salem; The Kissing Booth)
(Motherland: Fort Salem; The Kissing Booth)
5/5
“Having coaches who are still working artists was a privilege like no other because you get first-hand experience and expertise. You leave with an incredible toolbox of accumulated skills to help you excel!”
Kertrice Maitisa – Actress
(Mamello (SABC Sitcom); The Seven of Daran: Battle of Pareo Rock)
(Mamello (SABC Sitcom); The Seven of Daran: Battle of Pareo Rock)
5/5
“Act Cape Town has given me the tools, knowledge and opportunity to apply myself as an actor and helped me bridge the gap from studying to working in the industry”
Evan Hengst – Actor (Lioness, The Kissing Booth)
