Are you a young aspiring actor in Kenya?
Kenya’s rich culture and vibrant performing arts scene offer opportunities for young people to develop their acting skills, confidence, and stage presence.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top acting schools in Kenya. So, if you’re ready to take your first steps toward a career as an actor, read on.
Specialized Acting Schools
1. Africa Film and Television Talent Training Institute
Africa Film and Television Talent Training Institute is a private TVET institution established to nurture students’ communication, technical and technological skills. Africa Film and Television Talent Training Institute offers training programs that meet and exceed the needs and preferences of the students.
Courses offered: They include:
- Short Course in Acting
- Certificate in Acting for Film, TV, and Theatre
- Diploma in Acting for Film, TV, and Theatre
Program structure: The school runs weekdays from 6:30 am to 7 pm. Consult the institution to get access to the school’s timetable.
Fees: 35,000 for a 3-month short course, 45,000 per semester for a certificate course, and 55,000 per semester for a diploma course.
Location: Located at Maendeleo House, Loita Street, Nairobi.
Application: Visit AFTTI Application Page
Contacts:
- Phone: 0729 653209 or 0729653365
- Email: [email protected]
2. Kenya Film School
Kenya Film School was established to promote creativity and productivity talent among Kenyans. This school attracts students from all over the country with its exceptional experience. Kenya Film School offers training that will lead to real work and a genuine career as a filmmaker. This institution aims to increase Kenyan domestic content on our television stations.
Courses offered: They include:
- Screenwriting
- Directing
- Cinematography
Program structure: Consult the institution to get the schedule
Fees: Varies with the course, inquire with the institution for more details
Location: Located near Kasarani Stadium along Thika Road, Nairobi
Application: Visit Kenya Film School, Admission Page
Contacts:·
- Phone: 0773 541512
- Email: [email protected]
3. Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy was established in 1979 in Australia to offer affordable drama classes to young people. This school is recognized all over the world for its dynamicity. Students in Helen O’Grady Drama Academy are placed in different classes depending on their ages, therefore, students are adequately attended to by well-trained teachers. This institution also involves the parents by giving them first-hand information about the student’s progress.
Acting courses offered include:
- Kindergarten
- Lower Primary
- Upper Primary
- Youth Theatre
- International certificate
Program structure: 10 classes, once a week. For after-school classes within schools, please check on allocated dates and timings with your school including the presentation
Fees: Ksh 10,000 for the term (10 classes plus presentation) and GBP 55 to GBP120 per Trinity College Drama exams depending on grade
Location: Jalaram Rd, Nairobi
Application: Visit Helen O’Grady’s, Enrollment Page
Contacts:
- Phone: 0716 805795
- Email: [email protected]
4. Nairobi Institute of Music and Performing Arts
Nairobi Institute of Music and Performing Arts NIMPA provides a stimulating learning environment through an innovative, student-based, quality-driven approach to teaching and learning. This school is known for offering a wide variety of courses. Nairobi Institute of Music and Performing Arts aims to promote a record of achievement and success in academic excellence and job prospects and will give you a strong practical background.
Acting courses offered include
- Diploma in Theatre Arts
- Certificate in Theatre Arts
- Short courses in stage acting, playwriting, stage directing, stage design, theatre management
Program structure: Mode of study – Full-time. Class hours – 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, Intakes: January, May, and September
Fees: 35,000 per semester for diploma courses, and 25,000 per semester for certificate courses.
Location: 2nd floor, NIMPA Building, Off Kamiti Road, Next to PCEA Zimmerman, Nairobi.
Application: Visit NIMPA Online Application Page
Contacts:
- Phone: 0757721755
- Email: [email protected]
5. Talanta Institute
Talanta Institute is a registered Technical and Vocational Education and Training established for technical and vocational training. Talanta Institute offers a unique training approach with global learning standards
Courses offered:
- Short course Performing Arts
Program structure and Fees: Send a Whatsapp Message to0734777778 for inquiry
Location: Blessed House, Opposite Garden City Mall, Along Thika Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Application: Visit the Talanta Application page
Contacts:
- Phone: 034777778 or 0710 813131
- Email: [email protected]
6. East African Media Institute
East African Media Institute is a school established in 2003 that provides high technology-based training and media-related courses to expand and improve the media institution. The school equips the students with high journalistic skills and they are assured of jobs in the future with such skills the professionals all over the country produced by the institution is a great proof.
Acting courses offered include:
- Degree in Acting for Theatre, TV/Film
Program structure: The school runs from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. Consult the school for its schedule.
Fees: Depends on the course therefore the fees vary. Inquire from the institution for more information on the fees
Location: Located at Contrast House Starehe, Moi Avenue, Nairobi
Application: Visit EAMI Facebook Page for more information
Contacts:
- Phone: 0202500235
- Email: [email protected]
Universities with Acting Schools
1. Kenyatta University: School of Creative and Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies
Courses:
- Certificate in Theatre Arts
- Diploma in Film and Theatre Arts
- Bachelor of Film and Theatre Arts
- Masters of Arts (Theatre Arts)
- Master of Arts (Film and Theatre Arts)
Visit the website for more information
2. University of Nairobi: Department of Literature
Courses:
- Certificate in Theatre and Film Studies
- Diploma in Theatre and Film Studies
- Bachelor of Theatre and Film Studies
- Masters of Theatre and Film Studies
Visit the website for more information
3. Mount Kenya University: Institute of Film, Creative and Performing Arts
Courses
- Short Proficiency courses based on Film, Theatre Arts, Music, and Dance
Visit the website for more information
4. Moi University: School of Arts and Social Sciences
Courses:
- Diploma in Theatre
- Bachelor of Arts (Theatre)
- Masters of Arts (Theatre)
Visit the website for more information
5. KCA University: School of Acting
Courses:
- Certificate in Performing Arts Theatre and Film
- Bachelor of Arts in Film Technology and Performing Arts
Visit the website for more information
6. Maseno University: School of Arts and Social Sciences Department Of Music And Theatre Studies
Courses:
- Bachelor of Arts (Drama And Theatre Studies)
Visit the website for more information
7. Kabarak University: School of Music and Media
Courses:
- Diploma in Theatre Arts
- Diploma in Film and Theatre
- Certificate in Film and Theatre
Visit the website for more information
8. Maasai Mara University: School Of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, And Creative Industries
Courses:
- Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Theatre, and Film
Visit the website for more information
Wrapping up
Kenya’s acting schools offer a supportive environment for anyone to pursue a career in theatre arts.
With experienced instructors, diverse training programs, and a vibrant performing arts community, you can feel confident that you’re on the right path toward achieving your dreams.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, these acting schools can help you get there.