Artscape is launching a series of free Saturday masterclasses, running from 23 May to 14 November, as part of the theatre’s 55th anniversary celebrations. Held in the iSibaya Room on the first floor from 10:00 to 12:00, the sessions bring together industry experts, creatives and thought leaders from across the performing arts and cultural sectors.

Whether you’re an artist, student, arts professional or simply someone curious about the world behind the curtain, these sessions offer practical knowledge, valuable insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Seating is limited and booking is essential. Call Artscape Dial-n-Seat on 021 421 7695 to reserve your place.

First class tomorrow

The series starts this Saturday 23 May, with “Fast track to opening night”, a session that dives into the design, construction and ongoing renovation of the Artscape Theatre Centre itself.

Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux and Marius Golding, director of operations, will host the morning alongside architects Rod Stevens and Kent Stephens from KMH Architects, and Stanley Towani from the Western Cape government’s department of infrastructure.

Originally known as the Nico Malan Theatre, the Artscape building was designed by the firm Kent, Miszewski, Hockly and Partners (KMH), with Jan Maciej Miszewski as chief architect. The iconic brutalist-style complex on the Cape Town foreshore opened in 1971 and was built by Murray and Roberts Construction.

From 2017, the theatre embarked on an ambitious programme of upgrades to its foyers, bars and front-of-house amenities, aimed at making the space universally accessible to all patrons across all levels and venues. Remarkably, the entire project was carried out in a live environment, with no interruption to theatre and opera productions.

This opening session promises a rich conversation about architecture, accessibility and the life of a beloved cultural landmark.

Coming up: the future of funding and a dance class for all ages

On 30 May, the conversation shifts to money and sustainability. “The future of arts funding” brings together Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, Beth Arendse (CEO of Business and Arts South Africa) and Cornelia Faasen (CEO of NATi and chair of Festival Enterprise Catalyst), facilitated by a renowned radio host, chairperson of Cape Town City Ballet and vice-chair of Cape Town Opera. Representatives from the Western Cape department of cultural affairs and sport, the City of Cape Town and Mzansi Economy will also take part. This session will be live-streamed.

Then on 13 June, Artscape turns the masterclass into a party. “Let’s dance on 55” is an open class welcoming anyone aged 5 to 55, no experience needed, just comfortable clothes and a willingness to move. Presented by Cape Town City Ballet’s Lauren Pienaar, Nicci Loxton and Tracy Li, the morning includes learning a fun 55-count routine, a backstage peek at dancers getting into costume and doing their makeup, and a visit to wardrobe with David Pamplin, who will share some of the extraordinary costumes accumulated over the past 55 years. Try one on, take a photo, and leave knowing exactly what it feels like just before the curtain goes up.

On 4 July, Africa Melane facilitates a conversation on independent arts practice in South Africa, exploring how artists can forge sustainable livelihoods amid shifting funding landscapes and structural inequities, with guests including Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, playwright and producer Mike van Graan and Colin Daries, CEO of the Nu-Era Group. This session will also be live-streamed.

ALSO READ: Artscape marks 55 years with memory wall and call to support the arts

Later in the season

The programme continues with a panel discussion on 1 August exploring how the landscape of directors and theatre-makers has changed over 55 years, asking whether enough has been done to transform who makes theatre and who gets to tell stories on our stages.

On 8 August, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) hosts an intimate conversation on queer expressions of faith and healing, anchored by programme manager Marlow Valentine, with live music from one of South Africa’s leading artists. Keep an eye on www.iam.org.za for further details.

September brings a masterclass on careers in arts administration (12 September), presented by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Louise Howlett, general manager of the Cape Town Concert Series and presenter on Fine Music Radio. October sees Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux joined by senior finance and management staff for a session on government compliance and public accountability in a public arts institution (17 October).

The series closes on 14 November with Cape Town Opera’s “The machine behind the magic”, an integrated discussion unpacking Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette through the lenses of artistic vision, production design and the economic realities of staging opera in South Africa today.

Visit Artscape’s website for more details.

Call Artscape Dial-n-Seat on 021 421 7695 to book a place at any of the masterclasses.