2.2.16 Certified Actor

Description

The “Certified Actor” designation signifies an individual’s professional commitment to the art and craft of acting, both in theatre and more modern media such as film, radio, television and online media.

It also signifies an actor’s commitment to continuing professional development in the acting profession, as well as a commitment to ethical practice in all aspects of the entertainment industry.

Benefits

Become a member of SACIA and use the designatory letters SAGA PRO behind their name

Offer producers and colleagues assurance of commitment to the acting profession

Be listed on the National Learners’ Record Database

Qualifying criteria

The applicant should hold a relevant NQF-level 7 qualification in drama or performing arts.

The applicant needs to have at least two verifiable acting credits in professional film, radio, theatre or television.

We do not recognise student films, community theatre, commercials, stills photography, music videos, corporate videos, role-play, workshops, events, dance credits, promotional work, modelling, presenting, walk-on or non-speaking work (unless specific to a project such as a silent film where you are credited as an actor) as professional acting credits.

Assessment

Applicants need to provide a portfolio of evidence supporting their claim of competence. The Portfolio of Evidence is independently assessed by the SACIA certification council with guidance from the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA)

Preparing a portfolio of evidence

There is no definitive list of documents that should appear within the portfolio but generally it would include:

• A detailed CV including a list of performances the candidate has worked on(or IMDb profile)
• Testimonials and letters of recommendation supporting an individual’s claim of knowledge, experience and competence
• A list of any awards or commendations received
• Certificates from training programmes attended
• Theatrical or movie reviews that comment on your performance

Recognition of Prior Learning

Both the SA Guild of Actors and SACIA’s certification council recognize that many of the applicants for this designation will not hold an underlying NQF-level 7 qualification. The council will encourage individual’s lacking such a qualification to apply for a professional designation if they can demonstrate at least four verifiable acting credits in professional film, radio, theatre or television.

Designation competencies

An individual applying for recognition as a Certified Actor should be at least 16 years old, and be able to demonstrate a broad range of skills associated with the acting profession, including a well-developed imagination, emotional facility, physical expressivity, vocal projection, clarity of speech, and the ability to interpret drama.

In defining these competencies, SACIA recognise there are many disabled actors who have overcome their disability to achieve great success. We encourage disabled actors who meet all other criteria to apply for recognition.

Application Process

The Application Form is completed and submitted to SACIA for processing, together with the required supporting documentation. This includes the registration fee.

Candidates are notified of outcome of evaluation

Successful candidates are Certified, and their name is added to the National Learners Records Database

Continuing professional development (CPD) requirements

Designated members are required to:

• maintain annual membership of SACIA and/or SAGA
• pay an annual certification fee to SACIA (see costs)
• subscribe to the SACIA code of professional conduct
• comply with the CPD requirements as stipulated by SACIA

It is important to note that:

• Professional designations are awarded at the discretion of the SACIA board;
• SACIA reserves the right to check the records of applicants as part of the application process;
• Certificates issued by SACIA remain the property of SACIA and must be returned should the individual for any reason lose their status as designee.
• In instances where a candidate does not hold an appropriate qualification, recognition of workplace learning, and extended work experience will be considered in an evaluation.

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