OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube example of a great Pyrotechnician’s work!

What is a Fireworks Display Artist?  / What is a Pyrotechnician? – (pronounced pie-roh-tek-nish-an)

They are firework experts. So, if you like creating exciting visual experiences, are interested in science and are slightly creative – then becoming a Pyrotechnician may just be the big-bang job for you!

A Pyrotechnician is a licensed individual who creates explosions for:

• Firework displays
• Special effects for movies and theatre
• Breaking rock in mines and quarries

Pyrotechnics find work locally as well as overseas.  It’s a very exciting, sometimes dangerous job.  One has to be extremely responsible and trustworthy.

What does a Pyrotechnician do?

• discusses the project in detail
• works out all the logistics, planning, setting up, etc
• quotes on the job
• draws up a ‘plan’ showing firework positions, measurements, quantities etc
• orders or makes up the fireworks
• arranges the fireworks according to plan
• makes sure all safety measures are in place
• detonates the devices on time

Are you … ?

• passionate about fireworks and special effects?
• creative?
• responsible?
• trustworthy?
• interested in science & chemistry?
• safety conscious?
• detail orientated?
• observant?
• accurate?
• innovative?
• willing to work long and unusual hours?

How do I become a Fireworks Display Artist / Pyrotechnician?

There is no formal training that one can do to become a Pyrotechnician.

However to become a Pyrotechnician one has to do an apprenticeship (approx. 2 years) through an already licensed Pyrotechnician. 

Once you have completed the apprenticeship and done the required number of events/shows, you will then be required to pass an exam with the Chief Inspector of Explosives in Gauteng (Pretoria).

There are 4 Pyrotechnic licenses available:

• Stage (small explosions, fires, smoke etc)
• Fireworks (displays at shows, launches, celebrations etc)
• Movie (special FX, blowing things up, fires etc)
• Blasting (mining and stone-quarry industries)

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Stunt Person … or … Fire Fighter

Is becoming a Fireworks Display Artist / Pyrotechnician the right choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip of a Musical Arranger at work

What is a Musical Arranger?

The world of music offers a host of careers. Why not look at becoming a Musical Arranger.

Musical Arrangers write, arrange or create new music for bands, orchestras, singers, plays or films.

To begin a career in musical arranging, a person should have a strong musical background – knowing how to read and write music is a definite requirement.

For those arranging music for orchestras and bands, knowing how to play more than one instrument is necessary.

When working from an original piece of music, a Musical Arranger will add vocals, instrumentation, other melodies, and re-arranging parts like a DJ mashing different songs together.

Arrangers will also alter the original piece to achieve desired harmonization, tempo, and melodies. 

What does a Musical Arranger do?

• listens to tracks of different styles and genres
• composes music scores (written music compositions)
• adapts music for bands, orchestras, or singers to a different style than the original music
• experiments with different sounds, songs, and tempos

Are you … ?

• musically inclined?
• passionate about making music?
• a terrific listener?
• someone who plays an instrument or two or three?
• creative?
• a leader?
• ambitious?
• able to work one-on-one and with large groups of people?

How do I become a Musical Arranger?

Here are a few ideas:

• UNISA

Offers a 3 year programme for Bachelor of Musicology

• UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

UCT South African College of Music offers Bachelor of Music (Composition)

• UNIVERSITY OF KWA-ZULU NATAL

Offers Bachelor of Music (Composition)

• UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Composer … or … Musician

Is becoming a Musical Arranger the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 265203

Other names for Musician:

What is a Musician?

Do you dream of performing your favorite music in front of an audience? Are you talented at playing one or more instruments? If yes, consider becoming a professional Musician!

Professional Musicians earn a living playing in front of audiences either solo, in duets, bands, or symphonies. 

Some solo Musicians are self-employed and play and sing in restaurants, at functions like weddings, corporate events, private parties etc while band-musicians may also play at these venues, some successful bands may go onto playing live concerts at large arenas. 

More classically trained Musicians may find themselves playing jazz or in an orchestra which may play live for ballets, operas or just a concert for the love of classical music. 

In some cases, Musicians also become music teachers.

Drumming has become quite popular as a corporate team-building event.  These drumming Musicians will stage special activities and exercises for companies to help build moral.
Some Musicians will have the ability to compose music and could spend hours writing or improvising musical compositions.

As a Musician one has the ability to be creative through the music that they perform. They have the ability to play not only their own compositions but to play scores composed by other famous and not so famous composers.

Performers usually start training early on in life and have dedicated much of their time spent studying music.

One does not need to have had professional training to become a Musician.  There have been many famous and talented Musicians who were self-taught, however, study is recommended to develop your talent to its fullest potential.

A university degree or conservatory degree is required to teach music in schools.

What does a Musician do?

• practices, practices, practices – daily
• goes to auditions for shows, bands, symphonies, or other musical groups
• meets with club owners, clients etc to discuss their requirements
• provides musical background for live shows
• records own music
• promotes music through social media
• compose songs
• directs bands, orchestras, choirs
• networks with potential venue owners

Are you … ?

• gifted in music?
• creative?
• willing to spend many hours practicing?
• willing to travel?
• willing to work late at night?
• able to work in a team?
• someone who likes performing in public/has stage presence?
• physically fit?
• disciplined?

How do I become a Musician?

To become a professional Musician – you will need more than a bucket load of talent, a will to practice and practice, lots of patience and dedication is a necessity!

It’s not easy to become recognized Musician, but hard work and perseverance will get you there in the end.

To start – you can take up music subjects at school.  If your school does not have music – join a club or community music group in your area.

Try to teach yourself to read music and begin practicing on a guitar or recorder or any other musical instrument as soon as you can.  The more you practice – the better you’ll get!

Once you master the instrument – maybe you can get a part-time job playing in a restaurant, or at your school or at a friend’s birthday party etc. 

The more people who hear you and like your music, the more likely someone else will book you for an event.  This is how you will jump start your career as a Musician.

PATH 1

Certificate in Music

• University of Cape Town UCT
• UNISA
• University of Stellenbosch

PATH 2

Diploma in Music

PATH 3

National Diploma in Music

Bachelor of Technology in Music (BTech)

PATH 4

Bachelor degree in Music

• Can be done at some universities, eg: UCT

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Here are some other places you can study music:

• CAMPUS OF PERFORMING ARTS:  (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Kwa-Zulu Natal)

For accreditation credentials: 

You can study the following instruments at COPA:

Guitar
Bass Guitar
Drums
Vocals
Keyboards

• SOUTH AFRICAN COLLEGE OF MUSIC:  (UCT)

The South African College of Music offers training in a range of orchestral instruments, piano, voice, African music and jazz.
Various Bachelors of Music as well as a wide range of music diplomas can be done.  See website below for options as well as minimum requirements needed to be accepted at the SACM.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Musical Arranger … or …  Sound Engineer … or … Composer

Is becoming a Musician the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip: Watch a Piano Tuner in action

What is a Piano Tuner?

A piano is a very complex musical instrument.  It contains about two hundred and thirty strings, eighty-eight keys and more than four thousand working parts, depending on the size and model. That’s a lot of parts for a Piano Tuner/Technician to know, understand and how it works!

A Piano Tuner makes sure that all these parts are functioning and that the sound the piano produces is on pitch.

Piano Tuners can work for piano manufacturers, dealers, repair shops, music conservatories, universities, music shops, recording studios and concert halls etc.

What does a Piano Tuner do?

• visits clients’ pianos in homes, classrooms, concert halls, etc
• tunes pianos to the correct pitch by loosening or
• tightens strings with a tuning hammer
• replaces broken piano parts
• detects and corrects sound problems
• adjusts moving parts
• advises clients on restoration
• repairs pianos
• travels from one client to another

Are you … ?

• a piano player?
• a person with exceptionally good hearing?
• patient?
• attentive to detail?

How do I become a Piano Tuner?

• SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIANO TUNERS

http://www.sapianotuners.co.za/

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Musician … or … Musical Arranger

Is becoming a Piano Tuner the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Costume Designer?

Costume Designers create the look and fashion for characters in film or stage productions.

Every item an actor wears has been thoroughly planned by the Costume Designer and may have even been sewn/created by the designer’s own hands.

The art of Costume Design is to create a wardrobe for the actors that realistically represents each character’s personality and role.

Additionally, if the production is set in a certain time period, the Costume Designer must create garments that are historically correct to that time period.

As key members of the production team, Costume Designers must creatively collaborate with directors, technicians, and hair and make-up artists.

What does a Costume Designer do?

• reads scripts
• collaborates with the production team for design concepts
• researches historical periods, if necessary
• creates a ‘ costume plot’ – the breakdown of every item of article worn by each character, including the extras (non-speaking characters) in each scene
• gets approval from design and production team
• draws full colour sketches of the costumes
• prepares a budget
• chooses and purchases fabrics and materials for sewing garments
• purchasing already manufactured garments to be worn
• attends fittings and dress rehearsals

Are you … ?

• an excellent sewer?
• interested in plays or film?
• artistic, creative, imaginative?
• patient?
• highly organized?
• able to work well with others?
• confident?
• someone with good research skills?

How do I become a Costume Designer?

Most Costume Designers have a background in fashion design. See job description below for training.

• THE DESIGN SCHOOL SOUTHERN AFRICA

Offers a 3 year Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design

• INSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL

Offers a 3 year Bachelor of Design

• UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

National Diploma: Clothing Management
National Diploma: Fashion Design
BTech Degree: Clothing Management
BTech Degree: Fashion Design
MTech Degree: Clothing Management
MTech Degree: Fashion Design

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Youtube example of costume designing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FfvX8LP5MY

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Fashion Designer … or … Textile Designer

Is becoming a Costume Designer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 265301

Other names for Dancer:

What is a Dancer?

A Dancer is a person who chooses to dance for living. 

Some specialise, for example:

• performing full length dance routines (like a ballet)
• background dancing in variety concerts or rock concerts
• competition dancing (like ballroom and Latin American)
• corporate events (example: at product launches etc)
• teaching (for a dance school or in their own studio)

There are many varied dance disciplines:

• Ballet
• Tap and Jazz
• Modern and Freestyle
• Crump and Hip Hop
• Spanish and Belly Dancing
• Ethnic or African Dancing
• Ballroom and Latin American, to name just a few

Some Dancers may specialise in one discipline, like ballet, while other Dancers may specialise in two or more forms of dance.

A ‘dance competition’ television show worth watching is:  So You Think You Can Dance!

What does a Dancer do?

• attends dance classes, training and exercising to maintain proficiency and physical fitness
• studies and practices dance roles for specific performances
• learns to express storylines through body movements
• works with choreographers to perfect dance steps
• works with dance partners and working as a team
• attends costume fittings and make-up sessions
• auditions for roles
• keepis up to date with dance trends and innovation

Are you … ?

• passionate about dance?
• willing to practice for long hours?
• dedicated?
• a person with a good musical ear?
• rhythmical?
• fit and healthy?
• agile and toned?

How do I become a Dancer?

Most Dancers start their career training while still at school or as an extra-mural activity after school. During this period, the student-Dancer practices their steps and routines, at one level. They may then enter Dancing Eisteddfods (dancing competitions) to pass their level and move onto a higher one.

It takes years and years of practice and dedication to become a really good Dancer. 

Choosing dance as a career is a decision that must come from the heart. It’s not necessary a money-making career but rather a career that will make you happy. In some cases, if you become a Dancer in an international show or a Dancer for a rock star – you may make a lot of money.

Because this career is extremely energetic, physical and at times gruelling on the body, Dancers seem to ‘retire’ from performing when they are in their 30’s. However, most Dancers remain working in the field of dance – moving over to becoming a choreographer, teacher or musical theatre director etc.

There are many dance schools in South Africa. Depending on what kind of Dancer you want to become – your choice of institution will depend on this decision.

PATH 1

National Certificate in Dance N2

National Certificate in Dance N3

PATH 2

Diploma in Dance

• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Cape Town UCT
• University of Kwazulu Natal

PATH 3

Bachelor of Technology in Dance (BTech)

• Tshwane University of Technology

PATH 4

Bachelor of Dance

• University of Cape Town

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Here are a few other examples:

• WATERFRONT THEATRE SCHOOL 

International qualifications (4 years) in dance and teaching (Associate Diploma I.S.T.D.London) (Cape Town)

• CAPE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

• NATIONAL SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

Check in your local area if there are any private dance schools. 

Each institution has their minimum requirements – check with your institution of choice what theirs will be.

Youtube examples of dancing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8n6yji9ZOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImzkWZkaIIM

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Choreographer … o r… Acrobat

Is becoming a Dancer the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Performing Arts Technician?

Interested in the behind the scenes action of theatre, TV, film, and music and dance concerts? Are you good with you hands? Then consider a career as a Performing Arts Technician.

The job of a  Performing Arts Technician is to co-ordinate, assist, and perform the technical work associated with stage construction, lighting, and sound projection.

Responsibilities include following set design blueprints, construction and management of  backdrops and props, oversee storage and operating equipment, and supervising workers.

What does a Performing Arts Technician do?

• assists with estimating production costs
• hangs and focuses lights
• mixes and applies paint to sets
• operates sound and lighting during performances
• performs maintenance and repairs to stage equipment and props
• ensures the sets adhere to safety codes
• maintains storage facilities for props and costumes
• schedules of events and supervision of workers and crew
• maintains records of purchases

Are you … ?

• creative?
• someone who likes working with your hands?
• attentive to detail?
• someone who can work in a team?
• able to improvise when faced with unexpected situations?
• able to work under pressure?
• a technical person?
• artistic?
• willing to help with the painting, constructing and moving of stage pieces

How do I become a Performing Arts Technician?

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY

Is one of the few universities that offer a 3 year National Diploma in Entertainment Technology

It would be extremely advantageous to study further in Electrical Engineering. 

Most universities of technology offer a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma, or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 3 for English (home language or first additional language), 2 for Mathematics or 3 for Mathematical Literacy.  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Stage Theatre Technician … or … Sound Operator

Is becominga Performing Arts Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 343903

Other names for Stage Manager:

What is a Stage Manager?

A Stage Manager’s number one job is people management.  It is their role to organise all aspects of a theatre production for the successful delivery of the show. 

He/she will be in charge of rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings etc, as well as talking with front of house staff and the director.

A Stage Manager should be the most visible person backstage and the most invisible on stage.

An understanding of both the technical and artistic parts of the show will ensure it happens exactly to the director’s specifications.

Stage Managers are involved from the very beginning through to the final live performance. They handle any emergencies that might happen during the show and deal with them quickly so that the show goes on.

In a small company there will be one Stage Manager but in a larger company, the job is done by a team of managers.

What does a Stage Manager do?

• talks with the director and understands, in detail, the director’s ideas
• works within budgets at all times
• plans rehearsal schedules
• manages all scenery, props, furniture etc
• maintains costumes and arranges fittings
• manages lighting and sound
• manages health and safety rules
• deals with emergencies
• is bound by theatre tradition – supplies the daily coffee before rehearsals begin

Are you … ?

• passionate about theatre and how the whole performance comes together?
• very organised?
• good with people?
• confident to manage a group of very creative, temperamental individuals?
• a good listener?
• a good planner?
• technical?
• prepared to work unusual hours?
• cool under pressure?
• a hard worker?

How do I become a Stage Manager?

Traditionally, Stage Managers learn through apprenticeship.  You can get experience early by joining your dramatic society at school or a theatre group in your community.  Here you’ll learn all the backstage skills, for example: master rigging practices, safety procedures, lighting, sound and other theatre skills that interest you. 

The best way to get these skills is through doing them.  One can then work one’s way up from Assistant Stage Manager to becoming a Stage Manager.

After years of experience as Stage Managers, you can go on to become a director or producer.

Getting a degree in theatre also has its advantages. Some theatres like to work with college-educated Stage Managers because they are well rounded.  Some local universities offer these, here is an example.

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Offers courses in:

• Stage Technology and Theatre History

• Lighting

• Sound

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Stage Theatre Technician … or … Set Designer

Is becoming a Stage Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 265601

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip: Day in the life of a Radio Announcer

What is a Radio / Television Announcer?

In South Africa, Announcers on radio, television and other media read the news, conduct interviews, and make other announcements. 

They can also introduce performing artists at theatres, night clubs and other venues as well as making other related announcements.

What does a Radio / Television Announcer do?

• talks with radio or television stage manager or director
• reads through and understanding the material
• practices the correct pronunciation of article
• arrives on time
• delivers piece clearly and correctly
• researches background material of artists/celebrities one is going to ‘announce’ or interview
• prepares questionnaires for interviews

Are you … ?

• up-to-date on current events?
• up-to-date on celebrities?
• good speaking voice?
• voice clear? 
• good literacy skills?
• friendly?
• trustworthy?
• positive?

How do I become a Radio / Television Announcer?

A diploma or degree in journalism will prepare you for a job as an Announcer.  Some universities and colleges provide this.  For example:

• RHODES UNIVERSITY: (which is regarded as one of the best for Journalism)

Offers numerous courses: eg a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree majoring in Journalism and Media Studies (a 3 year qualification), or the Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies degree (BJourn). 

There are various post-grad courses too. 

Minimum requirements:  Students are required to have between 30 and 35 points based on the National Senior Certificate. 

School subjects:  Students should have English Language (as Home or Additional Language) and another language, both at rating 4 or above.

• NATIONAL DIPLOMAS IN JOURNALISM

Universities of Technology offering the National Diploma in Journalism are:

• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Cape Peninsula of Technology
• Tswane University of Technology   

• CERTIFICATES

There are short courses, but these do not offer the depth of a university course.

• ROSEBANK COLLEGE
  

A 2 year Diploma in Journalism
Minimum requirements:  National Senior Certificate where the minimum requirements for admission to a higher certificate for higher education has been met.

• PRETORIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE 

Certificate in Media & Journalism

Minimum requirements: Grade 12

• CITY VARSITY

Film & Television & Multimedia School

• BOSTON HOUSE COLLEGE

• DAMELIN

Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies
1 year certificate course in TV and Radio Presenting

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• www.bushradio.co.za

• http://www.bushradio.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Television Presenter … or … Disc Jockey

Is becoming a Radio / Television Announcer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 265501

Other names for Actor:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of an Actor

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Actor / Actress?

Actors perform on stage in a theatre, on the radio, on television, or in movies.

It’s hard for most actors to find steady work. Only a few become famous ‘stars’. Some actors work as ‘extras’. Actors can also teach in high school or in college drama departments.

Actors work under constant pressure. Many face stress finding their next job. Actors need patience.

Most acting jobs only last a short period of time which means they can have a long wait between jobs. Some actors have a second, different job in order to make enough money.

Actors work long and strange hours. They may do one show at night and another during the day. They also might travel with a particular job.  Evening and weekend work is a regular part of an actor’s life.

Work varies enormously from the live stage performances to television soaps and film parts.

Actors have to be passionate and self-disciplined.

It’s a highly competitive business.  Be prepared for endless auditions and self promotion until you get established.

What does an Actor / Actress do?

• self-promotes
• networks
• prepares for and attends auditions
• learns lines and rehearses
• researches material to help prepare for a part
• does voice-overs for adverts
• performisin a studio for film, television or radio broadcasts….and most importantly…
• opens lots of fan mail!!!

Are you … ?

• theatrical?
• passionate about acting?
• literate?
• a person with a strong speaking voice?
• uninhibited?
• confident?
• able to handle criticism?
• hard worker?
• dedicated?
• self disciplined?
• team player?
• a reader?

How do I become an Actor / Actress?

Actors usually train at an acting school/college or university, however, some people enter the field without formal training.

Those who want a bachelor’s degree take classes in radio and television broadcasting, communications, film, theatre, drama, or dramatic literature.  Many continue their training and get a master’s degree in fine arts.

Training may include classes in stage speech and movement, directing, playwriting, and design, as well as acting workshops.

Here are a few options you may consider:

• Some Universities of Technology 

National Diploma or BTech in Drama, Musical Theatre or Performing Arts

• Some SA Universities

A Bachelor of Arts in Drama, Stage Craft or Performing Arts

• Some private institutions

Offer various performing arts training

Minimum requirements:  Each institution has its own set of requirements.  Students wanting to study acting will have to first pass an audition too.

Here are some other acting schools:

•  NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ARTS: (Johannesburg)

Is a specialist SCHOOL (as in Grade 9 –12) specialising in Arts

• THE WATERFRONT THEATRE COMPANY: (Cape Town)

Offers Drama

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Youtube examples of Oscar winning acting performances:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E36JaHJKnc

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Comedian … or … Television Presenter

Is becoming an Actor / Actress the right career choice for me?