Certificate in Film and Theatre Arts
The Certificate in Film and Theatre Arts provides foundational training in performance, production, and the creative processes of film and theatre. Students learn acting techniques, stagecraft, screen performance, basic film production, and the history and theory of performing arts. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the creative industry or those wishing to progress to diploma and degree-level studies in film, theatre, or media.
Students develop competencies in acting for stage and screen, voice and speech, movement, improvisation, basic camera operation, editing fundamentals, and script analysis. The curriculum covers theatre production processes, film production basics, storytelling, dramatic literature, and the creative industries in Kenya. Practical performance and production skills are emphasised through studio work, rehearsals, and showcase performances.
Kenya's creative industry has experienced significant growth, with film production, theatre, and digital content creation expanding rapidly. The Kenya Film Commission supports local film production, while Nairobi's theatre scene continues to thrive with productions at the Kenya National Theatre and various venues. The rise of streaming platforms, YouTube content creation, and corporate video production has broadened opportunities for trained performers and production personnel.
The programme combines classroom lectures with intensive studio and performance practice. Students participate in acting exercises, scene work, film shoots, theatre productions, and showcases. Teaching methods include practical workshops, rehearsals, screenings, performance critiques, and project-based assignments. The programme is delivered on a full-time basis at the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
Graduates find employment as performers in theatre and film productions, production assistants in film and television, casting assistants, or content creators for digital platforms. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in film, theatre, or media studies. Some graduates establish themselves as freelance actors, voice-over artists, or content creators.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with a passion for performance and storytelling, as well as individuals already involved in church drama, community theatre, or content creation who seek formal training. Prior experience or participation in theatre arts or film is an added advantage for admission.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 86,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 25 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
10 subjects- Acting for Stage and Screen
- Voice and Speech for Performance
- Movement and Physical Theatre
- Film Production Fundamentals
- Theatre Production and Stagecraft
- Script Analysis and Dramatic Literature
- Improvisation and Devising
- Camera Operation and Editing Basics
- History of Film and Theatre
- Creative Industry Studies in Kenya
Modules
8 in the programmeActing for Stage and Screen
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamental acting techniques for theatre and film, covering character development, emotional truth, scene work, and the differences between stage and screen performance.
Voice and Speech for Performance
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Voice production and speech techniques for performance including breath control, projection, articulation, accent work, and vocal health for actors.
Movement and Physical Theatre
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physical expression and movement for performance covering body awareness, spatial relationships, stage combat basics, and physical theatre techniques.
Film Production Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to film production covering the production process, basic camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and the roles and responsibilities on a film set.
Theatre Production and Stagecraft
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Theatre production processes including set design basics, lighting for stage, sound design, props management, and the technical aspects of mounting a theatrical production.
Script Analysis and Dramatic Literature
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of dramatic texts and screenplays covering structure, character arcs, themes, and the craft of translating written text into performance.
Improvisation and Devising
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Improvisation techniques and devising methods for creating original performance material, covering spontaneous improvisation, collaborative creation, and performance composition.
Editing Basics and Showcase Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Introduction to video editing fundamentals combined with a capstone showcase project where students produce and perform a short film or theatre piece for public presentation.
Specialisations
Acting for Theatre
Focus on stage performance techniques including classical and contemporary theatre, character work, and live performance skills.
Screen Acting
Focus on acting for film and television, covering on-camera technique, screen presence, and the technical aspects of screen performance.
Film Production
Focus on the technical and production aspects of filmmaking including camera, lighting, sound, and editing fundamentals.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on film and theatre history or theory with afternoon studio sessions including acting exercises, scene work, movement practice, and film production activities. Students may rehearse for upcoming productions, shoot film projects, participate in improvisation workshops, or attend screenings and performance critiques.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Kenya's growing creative industry offers diverse opportunities in film, theatre, television, and digital content.
- Provides a direct pathway to diploma and degree programmes in film, theatre, and media studies.
- Practical, performance-based training develops confidence, communication, and creative expression skills.
Against it
- Creative industry income can be irregular, particularly for freelance performers building their careers.
- The industry is competitive, and success requires persistence, networking, and continuous skill development.
- Senior roles in film and theatre typically require diploma or degree-level qualifications plus extensive experience.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
KU 65K tuition+21K statutory=86K/yr (kenyaeducationguide.com, ku.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C-
- Alternative entry
- Division III in KCE or equivalent, or proven participation and experience in theatre arts, film, or mass communication.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination20% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of film and theatre history, theory, and dramatic literature.
Practical Performance Assessment
Practical assessment50% of the mark
Practical assessment of acting exercises, scene work, film production tasks, and improvisation performances.
Showcase Project
Project30% of the mark
Capstone project producing and performing a short film or theatre piece for public presentation, demonstrating all learned competencies.
Accreditation
Both offering institutions are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme at KU is offered under the School of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies (formerly School of Visual and Performing Arts).
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Both offering institutions are chartered by CUE. KU's programme is under the School of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesPerformer (Actor)
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 200,000
Performs in theatre productions, films, television shows, or digital content, bringing characters to life on stage and screen.
Production Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 50,000
Assists in film, television, or theatre productions, supporting the production team with logistics, coordination, and on-set or backstage duties.
Content Creator
High demandKsh 10,000 to Ksh 150,000
Creates and produces digital content for platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and social media, applying performance and production skills to build audiences.
Casting Assistant
Low demandKsh 16,000 to Ksh 45,000
Assists casting directors in organising auditions, managing talent databases, and coordinating the casting process for film and theatre productions.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as performers, production assistants, and content creators in theatre, film, television, and digital media, with opportunities for progression to diploma and degree programmes.
Tools you will learn
Adobe Premiere Pro (Editing)
Software
Final Draft (Scriptwriting)
Software
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Film and theatre arts is not a real career path.
Kenya's creative industry is growing rapidly, with opportunities in film, television, theatre, digital content, advertising, and corporate media production.
You need to be naturally talented to study film and theatre.
While natural aptitude helps, acting, production, and performance skills are learned through training, practice, and disciplined study.
There is no money in the creative arts in Kenya.
Successful actors, filmmakers, and content creators in Kenya earn competitive incomes, particularly with the growth of streaming platforms and digital content monetisation.
A certificate in film and theatre is too short for meaningful training.
The intensive, practical programme provides foundational skills for entry-level work and serves as a pathway to diploma and degree programmes.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Film and Theatre Arts are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.