AFDA Durban Campus launches a series of Assist Programmes

Students in the School of Live Performance, which is headed by AFDA lecturer Lloyd O'Connor, have been working at the Catalina Theatre getting first-hand experience as to how to run a theatre from the GM of the theatre, Francis Bigara. Through her guidance the students have been put through administrative paperwork, ticket sales, equipment maintenance, ushering, networking and more.

"The aim is to help bridge the gap, step by step over the years, between 'student', 'amateur', 'semi-professional' and 'professional', to equip the students with the current active skills and knowledge required to realistically make a living in their chosen careers," said Donna Steel, a discipline champion of First Year Stage Acting.

Thriller feature film trailer

AFDA students in the School of Film will be working in collaboration with iKind Media, a Durban-based broadcasting and media production agency, on a thriller feature film trailer called Intruders.

"We have already begun constructing the set for the shooting of the next scene within the trailer of the film on campus, students have been able to gain first-hand experience in building a professional set and, from next week, we will start shooting," said head of the School of Film and filmmaker, Richard Green.

The AFDA TV Department is working on a SABC 1 programme called Hosanna with AFDA lecturer and executive producer of Dynamic Vision Productions, Ailsa Kaminski. Hosanna reflects the different textures and forms of Christianity in communities around the country. The format includes music, prayer, ministry, personal testimony, and insight into the impact of faith on people's lives.

"For the purpose of providing assist training for the first year AFDA students, certain elements were designed to be filmed in the AFDA studio, namely: interviews, presenter links to camera, inspirational messages by ministers, and music items shot on green screen. The students were great; it was a pleasure working with them, wonderful to see their enthusiasm and energy, and their eagerness to learn," said Ailsa Kaminski.