Education
Call for Young Directors 2026–2027 Learn to direct for young audiences, with Phyllis Klotz
National Children’s Theatre is looking for six emerging directors to join its Young Director Programme 2026–2027. Applications close on Monday 9 November 2026.
About the programme
Directing for children and young people asks for particular skills. A director has to understand how young people experience a story, work safely and warmly with young performers, and make theatre that can travel from a stage to a school hall. This year the Young Director Programme has been redesigned to teach those skills first, and to give directors the chance to use them straight away.
Over three weeks of masterclasses, led by Phyllis Klotz, selected-directors will learn how to choose and shape a story for the age group they’re directing for, how to run a rehearsal with young performers, and how to adapt a production for different ages and spaces. They will then direct their own 15 to 20 minute play with NCT Youth Theatre Company performers aged 12 to 17, supported by NCT’s team.
Your masterclass leader
Phyllis Klotz is the former CEO of Sibikwa Arts Centre and a well-known theatre arts leader.
Who can apply
Emerging directors aged 23 – 35 and younger who want to build their craft in theatre for young audiences. Have a minimum of 2 years practical theatre experience.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday 9 NOV 2026 | Applications close |
| By Wednesday 11 NOV 2026 | Shortlisted applicants pitch and five directors are selected |
| Thursday 13 NOV 2026 | All applicants are notified |
| 18 NOV to 9 DEC 2026 | Three weeks of masterclasses with Phyllis Klotz at NCT |
| Term 1 April 2027 | Rehearsals and performances 13 January – 2 April – Festival Day 3 |
How to apply
Complete this online application form: https://forms.gle/feom55TeNDcNFTLE9
For any questions, call NCT on 011 484 1584.
Your Child Belongs on Stage
NCT’s Saturday Workshops have been building South Africa’s boldest young performers since 1993. Forty years on a real professional stage. Not a studio. Not a school hall. THE stage.
Term 4 kicks off Saturday 10 October and spots are going FAST. We’re continuing the “Lights, Camera, Imagination!” theme from Term 3. Your child will step into different worlds. Bring characters to life. Find their voice, their body, their confidence—guided by NCT’s credentialed professional facilitators in drama, music and dance. These aren’t just teachers. They’re theatre-makers. And they’ll theatre-ize your child/children.
Your child/children get real benefits:
- Drama, singing and dance taught by specialist professionals with deep stage experience
- Unshakeable confidence, on and off stage
- Focus, collaboration & creative thinking skills that last a lifetime
- A clear pathway for NCT to invite your child/children into the advanced Youth Theatre Company and into production auditions
- A grand 2026 showcase for parents & friends on 28 November: Wooja!
When: Saturdays 10 OCT-28 NOV 09:00-12:00
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown
Ages: 7–17
Fee: R2,200 per term | Sibling discounts are available
Book now: Call Nthabiseng to reserve a spot: 011 484 1584 | 076 115 2304
Showcase: Please mark this date in your calendar: 28 November 2026
Your Child Belongs on Stage
NCT’s Saturday Workshops have been building South Africa’s boldest young performers since 1993. Forty years on a real professional stage. Not a studio. Not a school hall. THE stage.
Term 4 kicks off Saturday 10 October and spots are going FAST. We’re continuing the “Lights, Camera, Imagination!” theme from Term 3. Your child will step into different worlds. Bring characters to life. Find their voice, their body, their confidence—guided by NCT’s credentialed professional facilitators in drama, music and dance. These aren’t just teachers. They’re theatre-makers. And they’ll theatre-ize your child/children.
Your child/children get real benefits:
- Drama, singing and dance taught by specialist professionals with deep stage experience
- Unshakeable confidence, on and off stage
- Focus, collaboration & creative thinking skills that last a lifetime
- A clear pathway for NCT to invite your child/children into the advanced Youth Theatre Company and into production auditions
- A grand 2026 showcase for parents & friends on 28 November: Wooja!
When: Saturdays 10 OCT-28 NOV 09:00-12:00
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown
Ages: 7–17
Fee: R2,200 per term | Sibling discounts are available
Book now: Call Nthabiseng to reserve a spot: 011 484 1584 | 076 115 2304
Showcase: Please mark this date in your calendar: 28 November 2026
Ever wondered what it's like to BE an Addams Family member? 🖤
Sing, dance and act your way through Holiday Camp at National Children’s Theatre—then bring your family to watch! If you loved the 2011 Broadway production of The Addams Family, get ready because this October, NCT’s Holiday Camp is bringing that same kooky, spooky magic to life, with your kids in the starring roles. From 28 September to 2 October 2026, campers aged 7–17 will spend the week singing, dancing and acting their way into the wonderfully weird world of the Addams Family. Whether they’re channelling Morticia’s elegance, Gomez’s flair, Wednesday’s deadpan wit, or joining the ensemble as one of the family’s ancestors, every camper gets to be part of the show. And on Friday, it’s showtime. Parents and friends are invited to join us for a special showcase performance—come be totally entertained as our campers take the stage and show off everything they’ve learned.
Spots are limited, secure your camper’s place today. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Addams household at NCT.
When: 28 September–2 October 2026, 09:00-12:00 daily
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown=
Ages: 7–17
Book now: link in bio
Info: Call Nthabiseng Mmethi at 011 484 1584 or nthabiseng@NCTheatreSA.org.za
NCT’s Bluey Junior Camp: Calling all Bluey fans—it’s time to play!
Join us for a week of imaginative play, storytelling, and performance inspired by everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler. NCT’s Bluey Junior Camp is designed especially for our youngest performers, aged 5–8, offering a nurturing introduction to the performing arts through the joy of play.
Just like Bluey and Bingo, our young campers will use creativity and imagination to turn everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. Through drama games, movement, music, and storytelling activities, children will build confidence, make new friends, and discover the magic of performance in a warm and supportive environment.
This camp is the perfect first step into the world of theatre—joyful, inclusive, and full of fun. What to expect:
- Imaginative play-based drama activities
- Music, movement, and storytelling games
- A fun, nurturing environment perfect for first-time performers
- A special end-of-week sharing for family
Book your place to meet Bluey.
CAMP DETAILS
When: 17–21 August 2026
Where: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown 2196, Gauteng
Ages 5-8
Reserve: [ADD LINK]
Info: Call Nthabiseng Mmethi at 011 484 1584 or email nthabiseng@NCTheatreSA.org.za
The Shakespeare Club and Shakespeare Festival
From classroom to curtain call, the Shakespeare Club nurtures young performers every Saturday from 12:00–14:00, reading 3-4 of the Bard’s favourites each year. In May, the Festival brings together Shakespearean lovers from across SA for a week of monologues, duologues, and ensemble scenes—that prove Shakespeare is alive and thriving.
Club Information
When: Saturdays 09:00-12:00
Dates: Term 1: 17 January–14 March 2026
Register: The first Saturday of term, Saturday 17 January or call to register
Venue: NCT, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown 2193
Ages: 7-17
Cost: R2,200 per term; discounts are available for siblings
