The Market Theatre Laboratory invites a new generation of talented and committed actors, theatre-makers, writers, and directors to apply for its renowned theatre and performance programme for the 2021 intake.
Applications for study opened as from 17 August and will run until 19 October. This full-time course, which runs from January to November each year, offers intensive training in a laboratory environment for emerging actors, theatre-makers, directors and writers to develop to a professional standard. Facilitated by professional theatre practitioners, the programme focuses on practical experience, and learning through experimentation, exchange, research and making.
Each year a small group of students are selected and this allows for each student’s creative journey to be well mentored. The world of performing arts is an ever-changing landscape full of opportunities and challenges – this is truer now than ever, with Covid-19 forcing many artists to think differently about how they create and share their work, said a statement. This year, the laboratory has invested heavily in developing digital content and ensuring that the curriculum continues to serve the interests and needs of young creatives in a rapidly evolving industry. Most importantly, the lab teaches young artists to adapt, to experiment, and to think of themselves as entrepreneurs.
When the Market Theatre Laboratory opened its doors in 1989, the intention of its founders, Dr John Kani and Barney Simon, was to provide opportunities to talented youth from disadvantaged backgrounds that would not otherwise be able to pursue their passion for the arts or study further. “This remains an integral part of the Lab’s purpose, along with a determination to assist young artists to build sustainable careers, and to create space and visibility for subaltern experiences, voices, and identities,” the statement concluded.
Details: www.marketlab.co.za; collect the application forms from The Market Theatre Laboratory offices at The Market Square, 138 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg.
