The Market Theatre Foundation (MTF) is looking forward to its first ever Open Day, to be held on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September 2025 in Newtown, Johannesburg, starting from 10:00 to 14:00 on both days.
The purpose of the Open Day is to create awareness about the various courses offered at MTF’s two industry-acclaimed educational units, The Market Photo Workshop (MPW) and The Market Theatre Laboratory (The Market Lab).
For almost 40 years, The Market Lab has produced highly sought-after talent for the film, television and theatre industry, while MPW is one of Africa’s leading schools of photography and visual storytelling that can boast an equally long track-record across four decades.
The Open Day will expose learners to the possibilities of a career in the arts, hear about current and past students’ experiences, and have networking opportunities. It will feature insightful panel discussions, a professional photo studio experience, a workshop for aspiring photographers, an exhibition walkabout, exciting dance challenges and performances by The Market Lab students as well as MTF’s entry-level professional theatre company, Kwasha! Theatre. Participants will also tour The Market Theatre Complex, learning about the iconic space’s rich heritage.
The Market Photo Workshop’s long alumni list includes Lebohang Kganye, a Johannesburg-based visual artist and photographer who won the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize in 2024, Tshepiso Mazibuko, winner of three awards at the 2024 Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, who scooped the 2023 FNB Art Prize.
Television stars who studied at The Market Lab include Bonko Khoza (Red Ink, The Wife), Wonder Ndlovu (Justice Served, Scandal, Go!), Kgomotso Moshia (The Woman King), Harriet Manamela (Skeem Saam), Sicelo Buthelezi (Skeem Saam), Lebohang Lephatsoana (Youngins), and Billy Langa and Mahlatsi Mokgonyana, who jointly won the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year in 2023, and many others who work behind the scenes.
“The Market Theatre Foundation’s first Open Day is an invitation to step into the beating heart of our creative ecosystem. It’s a chance for young people to imagine themselves in spaces of excellence, learning, and possibility – whether behind the lens, on the stage, or shaping stories that move the world. We’re proud to open our doors and showcase the transformative power of arts education that has been at the centre of what the Foundation does for almost 40 years.” said Greg Homann, Artistic Director at The Market Theatre Foundation.
Schools wishing to book their place should contact Anthony Ezeoke (Audience Development Specialist) at AnthonyE@markettheatre.co.za or 083 246 4950.
ENDS
The Market Theatre Foundation is an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
For media enquiries, please contact Bongiwe Potelwa (Publicist at the Market Theatre Foundation) at bongiwep@markettheatre.co.za or (011) 832 1641.