FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
WTS is situated in the Canal District of the Waterfront in Greenpoint, a stones throw away from the popular shopping and entertainment hub as well as the CBD; offering easy access by public transport from all areas.
DO I NEED A MATRIC CERTIFICATE TO APPLY TO STUDY AT WTS?
No, the requirement for study is an audition. There is no prior learning requirement.
HOW CAN I APPLY TO THE WATERFRONT THEATRE SCHOOL?
Please email apply@wtschool.co.za, call 021 418 4600 to arrange an audition or fill out an application form on our contact page. The Waterfront Theatre School holds a series of auditions throughout the year beginning in June with the last session ending in November.
WHAT ARE THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS?
Please refer to the following links:
HOW MUCH ARE THE FEES?
The Waterfront Theatre School is a private training institution and fees for the 2025 Full Time Course are R 122 000 for the year. This excludes dance attire and international examination fees, which vary according to genre and grade as well as a once off photocopying fee for notes. Fees for the 2024 Part Time Course range from R 3305 - R 7140 per term in relation to which stream and level the learner begins at.
DO WE OFFER BURSARIES?
WTS is associated with South Africa’s largest student finance facilitation service, Student Hero, which partners with various funding providers in order to assist with financing your education. Any student requiring financial assistance may contact them directly for pre-assessment and support through the application process. Please email hello@studenthero.co.za or call 0612298829 for further information.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL I GRADUATE WITH?
The Waterfront Theatre School is a facility that provides access to range of internationally recognised Diploma qualifications accredited by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, OFQUAL UK and Trinity College. Students can obtain qualifications in both Teaching and/or Performance.*
*Please note: These international qualifications are not currently recognised by SAQA. These qualifications are internationally registered by OFQUAL and range from a NQF level 4 to a NQF level 6 within the international qualifications framework.
WHAT IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIPLOMA AND A DEGREE?
A degree typically refers to an academic qualification, where the main focus of study is theory. A diploma typically refers to a practical course.
IS THERE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ON CAMPUS?
The Waterfront Theatre School can accommodate 28 students in self-catering residences on campus. Students wishing to live on campus are advised to register early as rooms are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
CAN I WORK PROFESSIONALLY WHILST STUDYING AT THE WATERFRONT THEATRE SCHOOL?
No external work may be undertaken without prior permission from the college management. The college reserves the right to sanction any external engagement that impacts training. WTS has an in-house casting agency, which provides opportunities for students to perform in external engagements that have been properly vetted and sanctioned by the faculty and management. The college also provides numerous opportunities for students to gain performance experience whilst training. Casual work not linked to the performing arts such as hostessing and waitering etc. is permitted.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN DANCE, DRAMA AND SINGING IN ORDER TO APPLY TO WTS?"
No, it is not a requirement that applicants have prior experience in the performing arts. WTS will assess the level at which you are to begin training through an audition. Where you begin will be relevant to your current ability.
HOW IS MY TIMETABLE STRUCTURED?
WTS offers personalised timetables which will be discussed with each student at the beginning of each academic year in order to assess which modules are required to help you reach your individual goal. The WTS timetable is a full day schedule, 5 or 6 days a week, depending on which course you are following. Classes begin each day at 9am.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO APPLY TO STUDY TO THE WATERFRONT THEATRE SCHOOL?
There is no age requirement.
CAN I SPECIALISE IN DANCE OR DRAMA OR MUSICAL THEATRE?
Our programme encourages students to develop skills across all aspects of the performing arts. The schedule is designed in such a way to develop this versatility of skill.
IF I DON’T WANT TO PERFORM, CAN I SPECIALISE IN TEACHING DANCE, DRAMA AND/OR MUSICAL THEATRE AND VICE VERSA?"
Yes, however, if you want to specialise in Teaching, you are required to take the performance modules to a certain level. If you are choosing to take the performance modules, whilst we would advise you to take the teaching modules, it is not compulsory for you to do so. The programme is specifically designed to enable students to do both at the same time without having to make a choice.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BEGIN TRAINING ONCE I AM ACCEPTED?
Prospective students are provided with a list of requirements in terms of attire and study materials upon registration.
WHERE DOES THE MOTTO ‘HIGHER’ COME FROM?
Founder, Keith Galloway, coined the phrase to encourage students to strive for the highest and reach their full potential, both personally and professionally, through passion, humility, self-discipline, compassion and respect.