Francois received his BA (Drama) degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1996 and his BA (Hons) degree in Theatre Directing in 1998.
He has since directed and designed numerous professional stage plays including Vrededorp (script winner: Nagtegaal playwright competition), Weg (Ashanti Gold Smeltkroes Award for Best New Script - 2006), Eet Alles (nominated for the Ashanti Gold Smeltkroes Award for Best New Script - 2004), Roadkill/Padkos (nominated for an Aartvark Award for Innovative Work - 2000), Jan en Jorie (Nominated for Kanna Awards for Best Design and Best Production) and Heidi - the musical (KykNet Fiesta Award for Best Musical Production and Best Design).
He is the writer of numerous dramas, children’s theatre scripts, pantomimes, cabarets and comedies for the stage and radio and the creator and writer of the television sketch comedy show Die Francois Toerien Show.
His television acting work includes the character of Neels Nielsin in the TV series Boland Moorde (Boland Murders), Tiaan du Preez in the detective series Byl (Axe) and a few calls in the South African soap, Sewende Laan
He has presented a number of television programs including three series (39 episodes) of the courtroom show Kniediep (1999-2001), the music program DKNT (2008-2011), and the live late-night show VNL (Late Friday Night) (2014-2015). He was also the presenter of the Arts Diary program on Fine Music Radio (2004-2006).
On stage he has played the roles of Stanislavski in the play Tchekov in Yalta (Fiesta nomination 2011 for Best Supporting Actor), writer Jan Rabie in Jan en Jorie, that of the Director in Michael Frayn’s farce Noises Off, Victor in Lorca’s Yerma and the actor/dancer in The First Physical Theatre Company’s Vrypas. (nominated for a Kanna Award 2007 for Best Dance Production).
He is also known as a voice-over artist for television, radio commercials, and corporate videos, and his past work includes that of resident voice-over artist for the TV magazine program Pasella (2012-2016), as well as book readings for the radio station RSG.
He has been a lecturer in Acting at Northlink College (2003-2004), at the Performing Arts Learnership for SAQA (2006-2007), he has done ad hoc directing work at the Drama Department of the University of Stellenbosch (2005&2008) as well as a lecturer in Drama at the Stellenbosch School for Post Matric Studies (1999&2003).
He adjudicated the Artscape High School Drama Festival for several years, the ATKV National Youth Drama Competition as well as the Tygerberg Drama Eisteddfod.
