FIND A SHOW
Artscape Saturday Masterclasses
Start Date
May 23 2026Theatre
iSibaya RoomDuration
2h
SATURDAY MASTERCLASSES
From 23 May – 14 November 2026
Artscape iSibaya Room, First Floor
10:00 – 12:00
Artscape Masterclasses offer a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, creatives, and thought leaders across the performing arts and cultural sectors. As part of Artscape’s 55th anniversary celebrations, these engaging sessions provide valuable insights, practical knowledge, and behind-the-scenes perspectives for artists, students, professionals, and arts enthusiasts alike. Join the conversation, expand your skills, and be inspired by those shaping the future of the arts. These masterclasses are free but booking is essential.
Limited Seating, Book is essential: Book via Artscape Dial n Seat – 021 421 7695
Saturday Masterclasses
Fast Track To Opening Night
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
The very first in a series of Saturday Masterclasses in celebration of Artscape’s 55th anniversary will be hosted on 23 May 2026 by Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux along with Marius Golding (Director of Operations). the architects Rod Stevens and Kent Stephens from the renowned firm, KMH Architects and Stanley Towani from the Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government. The session will be on the design, construction and renovations of the building, also to make it accessible for persons with disabilities. The Artscape Theatre Centre (originally the Nico Malan Theatre) was designed by the firm Kent, Miszewski, Hockly and Partners (KMH), with Jan Maciej Miszewski as the chief architect, opening in 1971. The iconic, brutalist-style complex on the Foreshore was built by Murray and Roberts Construction. Starting in 2017, Artscape required upgrades of the foyers, bars and front-of-house amenities to ensure the theatre is universally accessible to all patrons on all levels and at all venues and is refreshed with new interior finishes. The entire project was delivered in a live environment with no impact on theatre and opera productions.
Presented by: Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, Marius Golding (Artscape Director of Operation), Kent Stephens (KMH Architects) & Stanley Towani from the Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government
The Future of Arts Funding
Date: 30 May 2026
Renowned radio host, chairperson of Cape Town City Ballet and vice-chair of Cape Town Opera will facilitate a conversation on the sustainable funding of the arts and new models of funding for creative artists and institutions with Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux, Beth Arendse (CEO: Business and Arts South Africa) and Cornelia Faasen (CEO: NATi & Chair: Festival Enterprise Catalyst). Representatives from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the City of Cape Town and Mzansi Economy will also be in attendance. The event will be live-streamed.
Presented by: Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux, Beth Arendse (CEO: Business and Arts South Africa) and Cornelia Faasen (CEO: NATi & Chair: Festival Enterprise Catalyst). Representatives from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS)
Let’s Dance on 55 – A Jubilee Open Class for All
Date: 13 June 2026
Step out of the audience and dance with us! As part of Artscape Theatre’s 55th encore, we’re hosting an open class for a celebration about pure joy—ages 5 to 55 very welcome. No experience needed. Just smiles and comfy clothes.
After a fun 55-count routine you have learnt from us (perfect for practicing at home with friends and family, or posting on TikTok), the magic continues with a quick peek behind the curtain. We’ll slip backstage for a short, sweet visit to see the dancers putting on makeup, tying pointe shoes, and prepping wigs. Then it’s up to the Wardrobe where David Pamplin will share a treasure trove of costumes collected over the last 55 years. Try one on, feel the glam, snap a photo—and walk out knowing exactly what it’s like just before the curtain goes up.
Presented by: CT City Ballet (Lauren Pienaar, Nicci Loxton & Tracy Li)
The challenges and possibilities of independent arts practice in South Africa: an exploration of different models for building sustainable livelihoods
Date: 4 July 2026
What does it truly mean to build a life in and through the arts in South Africa today? Renowned radio host, chairperson of Cape Town City Ballet and vice-chair of Cape Town Opera will facilitate a conversation with Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, Mike van Graan (Owner: MVG Productions & Playwright), Colin Daries (CEO: The Nu-Era Group, Founder & Chairperson: Arts Capital) and associated companies to explore one of the most pressing questions facing our creative sector – how independent artists can forge sustainable livelihoods in an environment of shifting funding landscapes, structural inequities, and extraordinary creative resilience.
Drawing on perspectives from institutional leadership, independent practice, and corporate philanthropy, the session explores the realities of navigating a career in the arts without the safety net of institutional employment and what it takes to keep creating meaningfully and sustainably over the long term. The conversation will examine how organisations, funders, and practitioners can collaborate to build a more caring and equitable creative ecosystem. The event will be live-streamed.
Presented by: Africa Melane (Colin Daries & Mike van Graan)
Directors and theatre makers – where are we from and where are we heading?
Date: 1 August 2026
How has the landscape and the make-up of directors and theatre-makers changed through the years? The building is 55 years old – have we done enough in those 55 years to transform the look and feel of who makes theatre, of what is being portrayed on our stages? Who makes the decisions about the aforementioned? Has there been enough poured into the training of and opportunities for, for example, women directors? Of young, dynamic theatre makers? These are a few of the questions we will explore and try to seek responses for.
Presented by: Rafiek Mamon (Format of this Masterclass will be a panel discussion)
Queer Expressions… An intimate, authentic conversation exploring Queer issues of faith and healing
Date: 8 August 2026
IAM’s programme manager, Marlow Valentine, will anchor an intimate conversation with one of South Africa’s leading music artists who will share their story of resilience, personal trauma, sexuality and faith. They will also bless the gathering with their amazing voice and music. The intimate morning of conversation and celebration will conclude with a social over treats and drinks.
More details of this event will be shared on the IAM social media platforms including: www.iam.org.za or marlow@iam.org.za
Presented by: Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM)
The arts are more than performance! Make a career in arts administration
Date: 12 September 2026
Louise Howlett, General Manager of the Cape Town Concert Series and presenter on Fine Music Radio, will present a masterclass for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra on careers in arts administration in South Africa. Louise’s experience includes working as Organiser of the National Chamber Orchestra and Logistics Coordinator of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. The Cape Town Concert Series, which she has managed since 2010 is considered to be one of the finest chamber music and recital platform in South Africa. She mentors new generation artists and is a keen promoter of classical music in Cape Town. The masterclass will explore career pathways and opportunities for students and young people interested in pursuing a future in the arts sector.
Presented by: CPO: Louise Howlett
Beyond the Stage: Navigating Government Compliance in a Public Arts Institution
Date: 17 October 2026
In this masterclass, Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux is joined by Director of Business Management, André Steenveld , Chief Financial Officer, Yonela Tanzi Schaupp and representatives from the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for an insightful conversation about what it truly means to operate as a public entity in South Africa’s cultural landscape. Together, they will unpack the compliance obligations that govern institutions like Artscape, from the oversight role of the Auditor-General and the prescripts of National Treasury and explore how robust Supply Chain Management processes ensure that every rand spent reflects the values of fairness, equity, and public accountability.
Whether you are an artist, arts administrator, cultural entrepreneur, or simply curious about how public institutions work, this session offers valuable insight into why compliance is not a constraint on creativity, but the very foundation that makes it possible.
Presented by: Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux is joined by Director of Business Management, André Steenveld , Chief Financial Officer, Yonela Tanzi Schaupp and representatives from the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC)
The Machine behind the Magic
Date: 14 November 2026
CTO’s Maritha Visagie (Head of Production and award-winning Costume Designer), Lize Thomas (Artistic Manager) and Nathan Lewis (Vocal Coach and Pianist) will lead an integrated discussion, exploring Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette through the lenses of artistic excellence and professional pragmatism. The session will unpack the visual, musical and dramatic nuances of the piece, while pulling back the curtain on the complex financial planning and budgeting required to bring it to life. It will offer participants a rare, comprehensive look at how vocal mastery and scenic vision intersect with the economic realities of opera in South Africa.
Presented by: CTO: Maritha Visagie, Lize Thomas and Nathan Lewis (pianist/coach)
Parking is available at the Cape Town Civic Centre’s basement parking, Mondays to Fridays between 6pm and 11pm. Parking will be available on Saturdays and Sundays as well as public holidays, for matinee and evening performances. Access to the parking area is via Jan Smuts Street.
• No cash will be accepted/handled at the entry point;
• Payments can be made with Debit/Credit card;
• The parking fee is: R45.00;
• The gate to the parking will be closed 15 minutes after the starting time of a performance and opened after the performance;
• For security reasons, patrons will be required to inform the attendant which production they are attending, you may also provide proof of a reservation to a production or an event, or proof of invitation to a production or event, at the entry point;
• Patrons are to contact the emergency number (021) 400 2828 in the event of an emergency;
• For your safety a security guard will be stationed at the garage entry
Limited facilities for wheelchairs are available in the Opera House and Theatre in accordance with safety regulations. Wheelchair seats can be booked at the Artscape Box Office, at any Computicket outlet, or through the Computicket call centre. Please note that the Arena is not wheelchair friendly. Toilets for wheelchair-bound patrons aresituated in the Marble and Chandelier Foyers of the Opera House and on the lower level of the Theatre Foyer. Limited parking bays are available for bona fide Disabled Parking Disc Holders in the tunnel area opposite the Stage Door entrance, and in the staff parking area. A drop-off facility is available in the tunnel area for patrons who have difficulty walking. Prior arrangements in all regards should be made with the Theatre Manager.
WheelchairsDisabled Parking and Wheelchairs are available on site but should be pre-booked by contacting Artscape Dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695