Vocational Education – 3 Year Diploma
The Arts Performance and Development provides practical and theoretical skills training in performance studies as part of the tertiary vocational education of the College of the Arts, and the main objective is to provide a thorough background to the different aspects of African Music, Dance & Drama by gaining practical knowledge and experience during class and other stage productions. Course Work also requires, as part of the training process, to research into the aesthetics of the various dance and music cultures of the continent, in order to understand the terminology of these dance and music forms - particularly those from southern and central Africa. Research work is also aimed at instilling a sense of cultural identity and pride, especially in Namibian forms of dance & music.
Applicants must have Grade 12 with a D in English, and must provide a reliable contact telephone or mobile number when applying, in order for the department to confirm their attendance and inform them about the specific dates and venues of the annual selection process (induction workshop, entrance examination, course placement, and registration) that is held during January each year.
Applicants who successfully attend and complete the induction workshop must pass the entrance examination with a minimum mark of 60% to gain consideration for entry to the course.
Please note, as course places are limited, that only applicants who achieve a place within the top 15 results of the entrance examination can be placed and accepted for registration. Course tuition consists of group class theory and practice, individual and team assignments, coaching, continuous assessment, plus practical and written theory examinations. Course advancement is progressive, which means that each lesson builds on knowledge and skills gained in the previous lesson, but also more importantly that a student may only advance from one module to the next on successful completion of the prior module.
All students in the vocational arts diploma courses are required to pass Computer Skills in Year 1, and pass the fixed supplementary subjects in Year 2 as essential diploma course requirements. Students will choose a course of specialization in 2nd year i.e. the major subject will be Dance, Drama or Music.
Final year students are expected to complete a formal industry apprenticeship or internship/in-service training program, and must also provide a comprehensive portfolio for evaluation, as well as present a final theatre assignment or event for assessment by an external panel.
This course is designed to pilot prospects for career opportunities in African performance primarily as a teacher (integrated art studies), performing dancer, stage performer, and/or composer and arranger. The main objective is to familiarize students with African and Namibian art forms and disciplines of performance.
Dance
The Dance section provides theoretical and practical skills training and development for field specialisation in dance teaching and performance. Tuition is given in various dance forms from basic to advanced levels of technique and skills development and presentation skills through group classes and public stage productions.
Drama Studies
This course is designed to provide career opportunities in the field of theater and stage production as Producer, Director, Stage Manager, Stage Production Designer, through access to a wide range of subjects including Acting, Movement, Voice Training, Improvisation, Directing, Community Theater, Lighting, Costume, Theater Craft, Stage Management, and the History of Theater.
African Music
The African Music section is to define and introduce forms of African music to students, and bring this music to life through creative, professional expression through performance on local stages and further abroad. Students will be able to compose and arrange their own work for instrumental and vocal forms of expression in African music. Students receive practical tuition that includes individual and group performance skills in marimba, kalimba (mbira or thumb-piano) and African drums, as well as group class tuition in the theory of African music and ethnomusicology.
Ensembles
Students who have achieved an acceptable standard of practical skills will qualify for the exciting opportunity to play in various ensembles. From time to time, lecturers may establish various ensembles with their students, including students from other lecturers to participate in at least one major stage production per year, as well as several other smaller events, workshops and performances throughout the year depending on the commitment of the students and available resources.
Careers and Job Opportunities
A three-year diploma in Dance, Music & Drama brings the possibility of exploring a number of exciting career pathways and job opportunities within the Namibian society and local industry which still remain open for entrepreneurial development both in urban and rural settings.
There is much opportunity to become either a full-time or part-time music teacher at a school or regional center, open up your own private school, studio or business in a particular region or town. There are also a number of roles in the “performing arts industry” of Namibia either as a full-time career or in a part-time capacity.
