Performance and Theatre Course Opens Applications for Emerging Theatre Practitioners

Emerging actors, theatre-makers, directors and writers looking to strengthen their skills and take their creative practice to a professional level have an opportunity to apply for a full-time Performance and Theatre Course for the 2027 programme.

Applications opened on 1 August 2026, with the closing date set for 30 September 2026. No late applications will be considered.

The one-year programme runs from January to November and offers intensive training in a laboratory environment, giving participants the opportunity to learn through practical experience, experimentation, research, creative exchange and the development of new work.

Facilitated by professional theatre practitioners, the course is designed for emerging creatives who want to deepen their understanding of performance and theatre-making while developing the discipline and skills required to work professionally in the industry.

The programme is open to emerging actors, theatre-makers, directors and writers, with participants expected to attend the full-time programme for the entire year. Successful completion of the first year may also provide an opportunity to be invited into a further nine-month advanced second-year programme.

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, one full-length photograph, a certified copy of their Matric Certificate or most recent school report if they are currently in matric, and a certified copy of their ID.

The application also requires a one-page creative writing sample of at least 250 words and a motivational letter explaining why the applicant wants to study at the Lab and why they should be selected. Applicants are encouraged to highlight additional skills and interests that could contribute to the programme, including producing, writing, singing or other creative abilities.

One of the key components of the application is an audition video of no more than one minute. Applicants must begin the video by stating their full name, the title of their monologue, the character or characters they will perform, and the author of the monologue. Applicants may perform an extract from an existing play or use an original piece they have written or created themselves.

The monologue should present a character experiencing or explaining a particular situation and can be performed in a variety of styles, including realism and physical theatre. Applicants can record the video themselves or have someone assist with filming. The camera should be positioned to ensure that the performance can be clearly viewed.

The audition video must be sent via WhatsApp to +27 72 237 9647, with the applicant’s full name included as the caption.

For enquiries, prospective applicants can contact The Market Laboratory on 011 838 7498 or email courses@marketlab.co.za. Applications are to be submitted by hand at The Market Laboratory, 138 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Newtown.

Ready to apply? Applicants can access the course information and download the application form through the official Market Laboratory course page:

Download the Application Form https://www.marketlab.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-full-time-course-application-1.pdf
Course information: https://www.marketlab.co.za/courses-full-time-2026/

For emerging creatives, the programme offers an opportunity to spend a full year developing their craft in an environment centred on practical theatre-making, collaboration and experimentation.

Applications close on 30 September 2026. No late applications will be considered.

Application checklist:

• Completed application form
• One full-length photograph
• Certified copy of Matric Certificate / most recent report
• Certified copy of ID
• One-page creative writing sample of at least 250 words
• Motivational letter
• Maximum one-minute audition video
• Audition video submitted via WhatsApp with your full name as the caption

Important: The supplied application information contains a selection-process date of 18 October 2025, which predates the 2027 application cycle. Applicants should confirm the correct selection/audition date directly with The Market Laboratory.