In honouring the work done by both students and its personnel, the Department of Drama and Production studies recently held its 2015 Courtyard Theatre Awards.

Organised mainly by second year students for those in third year, the award ceremony saw not just the students being celebrated, but a token of appreciation also being given to members of staff: part-time, permanent and external.

Giving awards to the two general workers in the Department, Stephen Van Dyk, Head of Department, stressed the importance of appreciating everyone that forms part of the Department. “Talk is cheap. It’s what you do that matters. It doesn’t matter whether you are an academic, student or a worker within the department, your role in this department is just as important as everyone else,” said Van Dyk as he handed two picture frames to Senamile Nkosi and Philile Madlala.

Awards and categories

1. Top first year student with the highest average in theory award: Kaylyn Yon.
2. Top second year students with the highest average in theory: Nomvelo Dlamini.
3. Top third year student with the highest average in theory: Farrel Drew.
4. Top Educational Theatre: Zime Hadebe.
5. Best theatre dance (this category consists of singing, dance, playwright and stage manager): Nonhlanhla Gwala (first year student) and Nqubeko Ngema (second year student).
6. Top singing- first year : Londiwe Shozi.
7. Top singing- second year : Sandile Magagula.
8. Best scriptwriting: first year: Brian Duma.
9. Best scriptwriting: second year: Sandile Magagula.
10. Best Stage Manager: Nonhlanhla Gwala.
11. Best Director in directing projects: Buhle Sithole.
12. Best Actor in directing projecsts: Sfundo Maphumulo.
13. Best Actress in directing projects: Nozipho Mbhele.
14. Best Supporting Actor: Zakhele Mthethwa.
15. Best supporting actress: Pearl Mckenzie.
16. Departmental female ambassador of the year went to Sphumile Biyela.
17. Departmental Male Ambassador of the Year: Anathi Ngobeni.
18. Best Supporting Actor in departmental productions: Lucky Gcumisa.
19. Best Supporting Actress in departmental productions: Zime Hadebe.
20. Best Actor for 2015: Nkanyiso Shezi.
21. Best Actress for 2015: Anna Madondo.

The awards were celebrated in song and dance which ended off with a traditional send-off to the third years.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Stephen Van Dyk hands over the Department’s token of appreciation to Senamile Nkosi and Philile Madlala.