About Drama

The School of the Arts: Drama at the the University of Pretoria will teach students the necessary skills to make a meaningful contribution to arts industries. Studying Drama at the University of Pretoria presents students with the opportunity to develop their academic and artistic skills.

The former Drama Department of the University of Pretoria was established in 1965 under the direction of Prof. Geoff Cronje. The department set out to train theatre practitioners who could make a contribution to the rapidly developing theatre industry of the time. The department further aimed to promote Afrikaans theatre as was necessitated by the socio-historical milieu and the demands of the industry. The alumni of the department, their work in the theatre and theatre-related industries, as well as the contributions of staff and students in the academic arena, stood ̶ and still stand ̶ as testimony to the department’s commitment to excellence. 

Through the years, the department kept in touch with both the demands of the industry and those of a changing society. The department’s commitment to excellence has remained unchanged. Current training embraces the contemporary notion of the artist-scholar. Students explore an artistic, creative as well as an analytical and practical approach to theatre, film and related fields such as new media, through both experiential learning and academic inquiry.

Today the SOA:Drama boasts a multi-cultural environment where South Africa’s rich and culturally diverse artistic heritage is acknowledged and celebrated. International outreach takes place on a regular basis by attending conferences, symposia and creating opportunities for practical application of new developments.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences