The Aim of the Technical Training Programme:
The aim of this course is to educate and train students to secure industry-required theoretical AND practical knowledge. On the successful completion of this course the student must be able to work independently as a theatre practitioner in the chosen field of expertise. The first Training Programme was launched in May 2004 with all eight students successfully completing the course by April 2006. These former students are all currently employed in various sectors of the Performing Arts Industry. In October 2008 Artscape advertised the second Training Programme to start in February 2009 and a total of 150 applications were received. After an intensive interview and selection process, seven students were nominated.

The students who started their training this year are: Fabian Alexander, Brendon Langeveldt, Amber Mgushelwa, Andrea Minnaar, Bonga Magazi, Chanè Rinquest and Thabiso Senne.

Training Staff
Training staff consists of industry professionals from the various disciplines in the theatre industry who conduct talks, lectures, master-classes and practical assignments.

Course Structure
The course is structured to have both a theoretical and a practical component with sufficient teaching and training time allocated to achieve these goals.

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on a regular and continuous basis through written assignments, written tests, practical assignments and practical evaluations. Teachers and trainers will complete a Performance Report for each student after every written and practical test or assignment.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
1 Introduction to the Performing Arts

• Module One: Understanding Performing Arts and Theatre Practice.
• Module Two: The Theatre Building.
• Module Three: Theatre equipment.>
• Module Four: Theatre etiquette and discipline.

2 Theatre Safety

• Module One: General Health and Theatre Safety.
• Module Two: Personal Safety and Health.
• Module Three: Equipment Safety.
• Module Four: Fire Prevention
• Module Five: First Aid Level 1.

3 Stage Management

• Module One: Introduction to Stage Management.
• Module Two: The duties of the Stage Manger through all Production phases.
• Module Three: Music Literacy.

4 Theatre Sound

• Module One: Introduction to Theatre sound and sound equipment.
• Module Two: Sound equipment and working with the Theatre sound process.
• Module Three: Understanding a Sound Design.
• Module Four: A glossary of Sound terminology.

5 Theatre Lighting.

• Module One: Introduction to Lighting Concept.
• Module Two: The Lighting Equipment.
• Module Three: The lighting Plan.
• Module Four: The lighting Design.
• Module Five: The lighting process, plot and maintenance.

6 Introduction to Stage Design.

• Module One: Introduction to Style and Stage Design.
• Module Two: The development of Style Periods in Architecture.
• Module Three: The main characteristics of each style period.
• Module Four: The Principals and Elements of Design.
• Module Five: Interpreting the script and creating a set design.
• Module Six: The set design model.

7 Production Management

• Module One: Introduction to Production Management.
• Module Two: The Production schedule
• Module Three: Production Meetings.
• Module Four: Budgeting.
• Module Five: The Production Process, contact and control.
• Module Six: The “Product”, feedback and closing.