Act Cape Town – Film Acting Academy
Act Cape Town is South Africa’s leading film acting academy, founded in 2005 by Candice Poole, an accomplished actor and producer. Based in Pinelands, Cape Town, Act Cape Town specializes in screen acting and film performance training, equipping aspiring actors with industry-ready skills for the competitive entertainment industry.
As a fully registered Private Higher Education Institution with DHET under Registration Certificate No. 2013/HEO7/002, Act Cape Town meets rigorous national education standards. The academy holds full accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is a registered LAMDA Examination Private Centre, offering world-renowned international performance qualifications from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
The academy’s reputation is built on producing exceptional alumni who work across South African and international film, television, and streaming platforms, demonstrating Act Cape Town’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the entertainment industry.
NSFAS Financial Aid: Act Cape Town partners with NSFAS to provide financial support to qualifying students. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum may be eligible. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for NSFAS assistance.
Institutional Bursaries: Act Cape Town’s Financial Aid Committee administers institutional bursaries and grants for qualifying students demonstrating both financial need and academic potential. All NSFAS recipients must complete a formal loan agreement before payment is effected.
Alternative Funding: Act Cape Town partners with Student Hero and various educational funding providers to help students explore bursaries, educational loans, and sponsorships. Contact the Financial Aid office at enquiries@actcapetown.co.za for comprehensive funding information.
Pinelands Campus: Act Cape Town operates from First Floor, Sunrise House, 55 Morningside Street, Pinelands, Cape Town 7405. The campus features soundstage facilities, filming equipment, acting studios, and professional editing suites designed for film acting training and production work.
Facilities: Dedicated acting studios for scene work, monologue preparation, and group rehearsals. On-site film production facilities for practical projects. Professional meeting spaces for casting sessions, industry guest lectures, and student showcase events.
Location Advantages: Pinelands is centrally located within Cape Town, placing Act Cape Town within reach of major film production companies, post-production facilities, and entertainment industry professionals.
Application Process: Begin by downloading the official 2026 application form from actcapetown.co.za. Complete all sections with accurate personal and contact information. Prepare your audition submission — schedule a live audition at the Pinelands campus or prepare a professional video recording of two contrasting dramatic monologues, each 2-3 minutes in length.
Required Documents: Submit copies of your ID, Grade 12 certificate or transcript, and any prior acting qualifications. Pay the application fee and attach proof of payment. Submit all documents via email to enquiries@actcapetown.co.za or through the online submission portal.
Applications are processed in the order received on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon receipt, you will receive confirmation. The admissions team will review your application and contact you within 10-14 business days regarding audition scheduling or additional information.
Act Cape Town offers comprehensive acting for film programs designed to develop professional screen acting skills for film, television, and digital media production.
Higher Certificate in Acting for Film: This accredited qualification covers on-camera acting techniques, scene study, character development, script analysis, cold reading skills, and professional audition preparation. Students also receive training in film production processes and industry-standard production workflows.
Advanced Certificate in Acting for Film: Provides specialized development in complex character work, specialized genres such as action, comedy, and drama, and international casting standards. Students participate in showcase productions exposing them to agents, directors, and casting directors.
Act Cape Town also offers six-week intensive short courses taught by top industry professionals, perfect for focused skill development or portfolio enhancement.
Short Course Fees: Act Cape Town’s six-week intensive short courses are offered at R10,455.00 per course. These include all training materials and a certificate of completion recognized by industry professionals.
Full Program Fees: For current full-time one-year and two-year Acting for Film program pricing for 2026, contact Act Cape Town directly. The academy is committed to transparent fee communication and will provide comprehensive fee breakdowns upon inquiry.
Quality Assurance: The fees reflect Act Cape Town’s status as a DHET-registered private higher education institution delivering nationally accredited qualifications. Fees support professional facilities, experienced instructors, industry partnerships, and production opportunities.
2026 Applications: Act Cape Town operates a rolling admissions process with applications open throughout the year until spaces are filled. Prospective students are strongly advised to submit applications before October 2025 to secure a place in the 2026 intake.
First-Come, First-Served: The academy maintains small student cohorts for personalized attention, so spaces fill quickly. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The academy typically begins accepting applications in August 2025 for the 2026 academic year.
Program Start Dates: Students accepted for 2026 typically commence between January and February 2026. Students are encouraged to complete auditions and submit documentation as soon as possible.
Mailing Address: Act Cape Town, First Floor Sunrise House, 55 Morningside Street, Pinelands, Cape Town 7405, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 419 7007 (primary) or +27 (0) 866 363 978 (alternative)
Email: enquiries@actcapetown.co.za
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm (SAST)
Website: actcapetown.co.za
Social Media: Follow Act Cape Town on Instagram (@act_cape_town) and Facebook for updates on open days, student performances, and industry news.
Academic Requirements: Admission to the Higher Certificate in Acting for Film requires a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with English language competency. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Mandatory Audition: All applicants must complete an audition — either live in-person at the Pinelands campus or via professionally recorded video submission. Adjudicators assess acting ability, emotional range, ability to take direction, commitment, and potential for growth. Audition pieces typically involve two contrasting monologues.
Selection Criteria: Act Cape Town seeks students demonstrating genuine passion for acting and film performance. The selection panel considers artistic potential, professionalism, willingness to collaborate, and motivation to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.