Projects

Magnet Theatre has been offering workplace internships at Magnet Theatre since 2014. Magnet Theatre identified skills gaps in the theatre industry relating to technical support skills, arts administration, stage management, visual documentation and theatre photography. In the beginning Magnet Theatre partnered with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) supported by the Western Cape Government. The EPWProgramme focused on skills development and provided work opportunities. It is one of the important ways the Western Cape Government is working to reduce the levels of poverty and unemployment in the province through giving unemployed people access to temporary work; helping unemployed people through skills programmes and work experience; ensuring that unemployed people receive an allowance for any work they have completed as part of the EPWP; and enhancing EPWP participants’ chances of finding jobs or starting their own businesses.

Through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the Magnet Theatre EPWProgramme was run from 2014 – 2020. During that time,we engaged 4 youth participants per annual cycle in the Magnet working environment where they gained expanded skills and work experience, enhancing their chances of future employment and/or triggering their entrepreneurial spirit.  The EPWP interns formed an integral part of the Magnet staff and participated fully in all the Magnet activities, learning skills in arts administration, youth development work, creation of new performance, stage management, production management and technical theatre skills. EPWP Interns were mentored by the Magnet staff as they built their skills to work independently managing various projects and productions.

EPWPS 2014 – 2020: Asiphe Lili, Lwanda Sindaphi, Siphenathi Mayekiso, Sivuyile Dunjwa, Honey Mene, Lwando Magwaca, Maggi Fernando, Natasha Gana, Vusumzi Badi, Vuyokazi Ngemntu, Yonela Sithela, Qondiswa James, Sydwell Klaas, Zukisani Nongogo, Palesa Mohlala, Sinako Doni, Yamkela Sotapu.

Magnet Theatre now partners with First Rand Foundation Firstjob to deliver our Internship Programme. 4 Interns yearly are placed at Magnet Theatre supporting all the operations and developing niche skills. in 2022 we partnered with First Rand Firstjob to run a third performance Internship year to focus on performance skills missed by the 6th cohort on the Full time Training and Job Creation programme as a result of Covid interruptions. In 2022/3 we offered 11 Performance Internships.

Interns on the First Rand Firstjob programme: Abigail Mei, Thobeka Nzimande ( 2021/2), Asamkele Ketelo, Azola Mkhabile, Buhle Thembisile Stefane, Kuhle Myathaza, Lindokuhle Melaphi, Molupi Lepeli, Siphenathi Siqwayi, Sipho Kalako, Wendy Mrali ( 2022/3) , Bulelwa Mbalo, Phakamani Waka, Sibuyiselo Dywili, Smamkele Mentyisi  (2023/4), Malibongwe Bonakele, Mawande Msomi, Thando Dzila, Thandile Mfiki (2024/5)