LAMTA Course Overview

Applications Now Open

Submit your online application here!

Entrance into the LAMTA course is by way of auditions only. Students will undergo a rigorous audition process as only 20-25 students will be accepted into our program each year. Every effort will be made to accept an equal ratio of men and woman into the course.

The LAMTA musical theatre course is designed as a 3-year program specifically aimed at developing the technical and creative skills of our students through classwork, workshops and masterclasses. Practical experience is garnered through performance opportunities on the Theatre on the Bay stage and our studio spaces. Integral to our training at LAMTA is an understanding amongst our students that LAMTA is a safe creative space where they can take risks, go beyond their limitations, develop their craft, strengthen their bodies and voices and become nuanced performers. Our ultimate goal is to prepare our students for diverse employment in the Arts.

LAMTA students will be expected to train in the triple threat discipline. Acting, singing and dancing will be the foundation of their studies. However, acting is at the heart of our ethos at LAMTA and students can expect to find themselves performing not only the works of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber but Ibsen and Chekhov too. We believe that while the rigours of the musical theatre genre and it’s ever-evolving singing and dancing demands increase, those without a solid acting training are limited in their abilities and their understanding of the core elements of theatre.

Because our focus is centred on ensuring that our students find work after their training at the Academy, versatility is key. There is an ever-increasing demand for performers who can combine first-rate acting ability with a high level of musicality and efficiency in dance. LAMTA will develop these three skills to the highest levels.

Year One

In their first year at LAMTA, students will be trained to grow secure in various forms of dance, focussing on technical skills. One on one singing classes and group vocal training will form an integral part of their studies. Students will be taught various styles of performance in their acting classes. Other key classes that will contribute to their development at LAMTA 1 level, are classes in dance diversity, dance repertoire, musical theatre classes, improvisation, voice, accent work, audition preparation, showbusiness, theory classes, body conditioning and more.

Year Two

In our student’s second year, the above training becomes more advanced. Classes become more intensive with lots of individual attention across the disciplines. Students are now taught to combine their technique with storytelling, discovering how to use their vocal, physical and acting prowess to tell stories and develop characters. We guide them through work that requires vulnerability and emotional risk-taking. By now the faculty will also have a good idea of our student’s strengths and weaknesses and where they should be focussing their attention.

Year Three

The 3rd year is all about refining, polishing, and preparing the students to stand alone confidently in the big wide world of the Performing Arts. We focus on the practicalities of the industry like building CVs, taking headshots, finding agents, preparing ‘audition’ material. Classes are now at their most intensive and workshops and masterclasses with performers, directors, agents, financial advisors and industry practitioners will prepare our students for their emergence into the industry.

With a maximum of 20-25 students per year group and over 40 hours of contact teaching time per week as well as over 20 hours of project time, all our students receive thorough attention. Our classes are small and concentrated, allowing for full exploration of the each student’s potential and natural abilities. Our teaching faculty comprises of lecturers who are leading practitioners in their field. They have active involvement in the industry and thus have their fingers on the pulse of current trends and demands.

Examinations are held in terms 2 and 4 and holidays fall in line with the Western Province school timetable. We have a one-week mid-term break for students to take a breather from their rigorous weekly timetables. In their final year, students will present a professional showcase and fully-staged performance attended by agents, casting directors, producers and industry professionals.

A key component of our course is workshops and masterclasses held by visiting local and international industry professionals. This gives LAMTA students an enhanced training and a unique advantage.

The LAMTA Launchpad

Students who have recently completed their studies at other colleges, schools or academies yet feel that they are not quite ready to enter the profession, can apply to take part in the LAMTA Launchpad Program. This is specifically designed for students who need to finesse their audition skills and preparation. The focus will be placed on rep classes, practical classes in audition technique, picking up choreography quickly and accurately, diverse dance repertoire, integration of acting and song, showbusiness studies and career advise. The LAMTA Launchpad Program is designed to refine and expand existing skill sets and prepare students to take on a variety of positions in today’s theatre industry. Students will work intimately with faculty staff and theatre professionals who will provide guidance and industry expertise.

LAMTA Applications are Open!

Complete the form below and confirm your interview. Spaces are limited as we only accept 25 students each year.