Johannesburg — The National School of the Arts (NSA), South Africa’s leading School of Specialisation in Performing and Creative Arts, proudly announces its Open Day for prospective learners on Saturday, 28 February 2026 from 08:30 until 13:30.
The annual Open Day offers prospective learners exposure to the school’s dynamic environment with an authentic behind-the-scenes experience of the NSA’s specialist pre-professional vocational training programme. Visitors will be offered guided tours, observe rehearsals for the exciting first term productions, experience mock auditions, and have the opportunity to engage directly with educators and current learners from across the school’s four specialist disciplines: Dance, Drama, Music, and Art (visual art and 2D & 3D Design).
As a publicly funded Gauteng Department of Education School of Specialisation (SOS), NSA provides focused arts training within a rigorous academic timetable following the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for the National Senior Certificate (NSC). This dual focus ensures learners develop both artistic excellence and strong academic outcomes that prepare them for tertiary education and creative sector careers.
The 2026 first term artistic programme opens under the theme “Origi-Nation” honouring South Africa as a country of creative originators. "We are grateful to the National Arts Council of South Africa, through the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Presidential Economic Stimulus programme, for seeing value in our funding proposal. It is because of their support that we are able to produce the quality work synonymous with our name," commented Artistic Director of the NSA, Brenda Sakellarides. "We are proud to celebrate South Africa as a country of innovators and artistic voices – well represented in the microcosm that is the National School of the Arts."
This theme – inherent in the ethos of the NSA – will be reflected across NSA's first-term public performances, which prospective families will preview during Open Day.
“ If you want a snapshot of young creative South Africa then make your way to the NSA on Saturday 28th February 2026,” concluded Sakellarides.
The NSA Drama Department presents “Kinétre – The Origi-Nation”, a physical theatre and choreographic showcase featuring the grade 12 drama class in a commissioned work from theatre maker and choreographer Lucky Moeketsi. The programme also features physical theatre work from selected Grade 12s following an intense selection process. This exciting production has a sub-theme of physical protest theatre – “the body as a revolt”. Guided by Senior Drama educator Thoriso Raphela, who will also add his signature creativity to the line-up of work, the matric choreographers will reveal the depth of their stirring original thought realised in expressive dance, movement and physical theatre. The season runs in the NSA Theatre from the 11–14 March with bookings through shop@artschool.co.za or at the NSA’s Marketing & Development House.
The Dance Department will stage its flagship production, “Dance Spectrum – The Origi-Nation”, featuring commissioned works by leading dance professionals Oscar Buthelezi, Tshepo Zasekhaya, and David Gouldie alongside faculty educators and choreographers including Head of Department Heather Dreyer (Neo-Classical Ballet), Laura Cameron (Contemporary) and Gillian Bonegio (Spanish). “Dance Spectrum – The Origi-Nation” runs in the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre from the 19–21 March with bookings through Web tickets.
In an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration, the neo-classical dance work will be performed with a specially commissioned composition performed live by selected musicians and vocalists from the NSA Music Department. This collaborative work will also be presented at the Schools of Specialisation Performing and Creative Arts Festival at the Roodepoort Theatre on the 18th March.
For over five decades, NSA has nurtured generations of South Africa’s creative leaders — a space where talent is developed, individuality is celebrated, and artistic futures are shaped. The school continues to achieve outstanding academic and artistic results, upholding its promise of realising dreams through excellence in arts and academics.
Open Day Details
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Venue: National School of the Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: www.artschool.co.za
Tel: 011 339 6539 | Cell: 063 091 6051
Email: admissions@artschool.co.za
Prospective learners currently in Grades 6 and 7 to Grade 10 who wish to pursue specialised arts training are encouraged to attend with their parents or guardians.
“Open Day is an opportunity to experience the creative energy of NSA first-hand,” says Principal Salome Gaelesiwe. “We invite young artists to discover a space where passion meets discipline and creativity meets opportunity.”
Spaces for admission are limited. Families seeking a focused arts education within a supportive academic environment are encouraged to attend and learn more about the audition process.
To learn more, visit www.artschool.co.za or contact admissions@artschool.co.za.
The National School of the Arts acknowledges the support of Joburg Theatre, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, as well as the National Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Program (PESP 6 ) and the National Arts Council for giving wings to our “Origi-Nation”.
The future of the arts begins here.
For Media Enquiries: media@jtcomms.co.za | 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of the National School of the Arts
