ACT/DALRO/NEDBANK SCHOLARSHIPS

Danville Park Girls' High School’s Zola Myeza among the finalists.

The “Magic in the Making” finals event takes place on September 28, 2010, at the Globe Theatre, Gold Reef City.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Nedbank have announced the names of the judges for the Finals of the ACT/DALRO/Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships for 2010.

Convener Brenda Devar, ACT Chairperson, well-known actress, singer, writer and arts activist says, “Winning an ACT Performing Arts Scholarship will be a life-changing achievement for two young artists. As convenor of the panel I am deeply cognisant of the responsibility that is vested with us. I believe that the panel is more than equipped for the exacting task of selecting our two recipients.”

Made up of high profile performing arts luminaries, the panel includes well-known theatre producer Richard Loring, Bryan Schimmel, a leading musical director, Tribhangi Dance Theatre Artistic Director Jayesperi Moopen, popular Scandal ‘s actress Nthati Moshesh and Jennis Williamson, an Artist agent and manager.

Nomalanga Nkosi, ACT Programmes Manager, commenting on the panel said, “We are incredibly honoured and excited to have a panel comprising of esteemed theatre, dance, music and industry professionals. It is a great opportunity for these young artists to not only showcase their talents but also to engage with industry leaders and start making some of those connections.”

In the line-up of the exceptional finalists selected from around the country is Zola Myeza, a grade 12 learner from Danville Park Girls' High School in Durban who achieved the national Top 20 in the Shield Teens Dance Competition.

Regional rounds were conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and a national round took place in Grahamstown during the South African National Schools’ Festival. The six finalists will present prepared pieces comprising acting, singing and dancing at the glittering Finals, when a total value of R105,000 will be awarded to two of the six finalists who will be at liberty to select their preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution.

The ACT Scholarships Programme is funded by DALRO and Nedbank and is generously supported by Gold Reef City Casino, Sleepy Gecko Guesthouse, Exclusive Books, Talent Etc, Provantage and ClassicFeel Magazine. ACT is South Africa’s premier, independent arts and culture funding and development agency. For more information visit www.act.org.za