The National School Of The Arts

Description

The National School of the Arts (NSA) is a public co-ed school specialising in art, dance, drama, and music in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The Department of Education has recognised the NSA as a school of excellence in design, visual art, and performing arts education. The National School of the Arts caters for Grade 8 to Grade 12 and currently has 470 students. The school has both day and boarding facilities.

HERITAGE

The National School of the Arts was founded in 1993 when the Johannesburg Art, Ballet & Music School merged with Hoerskool Die Kruin. It was founded by the Gauteng Department of Education.

ACADEMICS

The National School of the Arts is the leading arts school in Africa, offering specialised intensive tuition in art (visual, 3D, and graphic Design), dance (ballet, Spanish, contemporary, and African contemporary), drama and music (classic or contemporary) alongside a full academic curriculum.

Admission to the school is granted on the successful completion of auditions in the chosen specialist arts subject. Talented learners from around the country are given every opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest, with 9 hours a week classroom training in their specialist subject. They are also offered unparalleled opportunities to work with and learn from leading professionals in the arts and showcase their talents to media, agents and the arts community on public platforms.

The NSA has a 15 year 100% Matric pass rate which was broken only when one learner (an epileptic who suffered seizures before 2 exams) failed in 2014. The school has an exceptional Matric track record and a bachelor pass rate consistently well above 80%.

SPORTS & CULTURE

Students are involved in their chosen specialist arts subject alongside their academic schedule. The school hosts its annual flagship project, the 5-day Festival of Fame, which is renowned as the country's leading Youth Arts Festival.

ART

• Visual Arts
• 2D and 3D Design (including classes in sculpture, printmaking, painting, ceramics, photography, design, and digital design)

DANCE

• Classical Ballet
• Contemporary Dance
• African Dance
• Spanish
• Jazz Dance

DRAMA

• Acting
• Voice
• Movement
• Physical theatre
• Stagecraft
• Mime and poetry

MUSIC

• Tutorship in 2 musical instruments
• Arranging and Composition
• Improvisation
• Aural and Performance
• Solo performance
• Chamber music
• Vocal ensembles
• Orchestra

SCHOOL FACILITIES

• Library
• Media centre
• Science lab
• High tech eduboards
• Raked cinema-style auditorium
• Fully equipped school hall (sound & lighting for productions)
• 2 first rate ballet studios
• The main NSA Theatre (also used by professionals)
• The Lab
• The Space music hall complete with a pipe organ
• Fully equipped music recording studios
• Rehearsal rooms,
• Pottery studio
• Art studios and workshops
• Art gallery
• Hostel with recreation lounges and fully equipped laundry

NOTABLE GRADUATES

• Charlize Theron
• Mark Bouwer (New York-based fashion designer)
• Robyn Sarah Scott (winner of the Best Actress Award at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival)
• Sarena Taylor (actress)
• Carl Beukes (actor)
• Vincent Bones (2014 Idols winner)
• Lorna Maseko (Top Billing presenter)
• Jeannie D (Top Billing presenter)
• Dan Patlanski (musician)
• Karen Zoid (musician)
• Snotkop (musician)
• Kitty Phetla (one of SA's '21 Icons')
• Dada Masilo (internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer)
• Chris Jafta (judge)
• Bianca le Grange (musician)