YOUNG PERFORMER AWARDS 2011

National Eisteddfod Academy call for entries (also music and drama).

The National Eisteddfod Academy the NEA, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) is calling for entries for the 2011 NEA Young Performer Awards.

This competition provides a next level of participation for all recipients of diploma (or similar awards) in various festivals or competitions. It provides a platform where the best young performers in music, dance and drama can compete and showcase their talents. This event culminates in an Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2011, at the Joburg ProMusica Theatre.

The closing date for entries from participants in other festivals and competitions is February 11, 2011.

Scholarships as well as cash prizes amounting up to R30,000 will be awarded to the top junior and senior performers. Categories include best senior and junior performers in Classical, Crossover and Contemporary Music, Speech and Drama, Dance and Creative Arts.

The adjudication process involves four rounds which will take place at the ProMusica Theatre:.

First Round (March 1 to 19) a panel of adjudicators will adjudicate all entries; Quarter Final Round (March 19 to 24 March) a limited number of participants will be identified daily at the First Round to participate in the Quarter Final Round; Semi-Final Round (May 10 to 13) the Semi-Final Round will be presented as evening concerts at the ProMusica Theatre. Separate events will be presented for Classical Music, Contemporary Music, Dance and Drama. Only a limited number of participants will be invited to each of the semi-final rounds, therefore certificates will also be awarded at these event to top achievers in the previous rounds who did not make it to the semi-finals. The overall junior and senior winners of all sections will also be announced.

The final event takes place on May 21, 2011, when the overall junior and senior winners of all sections will finally compete for the overall awards. Tickets for the Semi-Finals and Final Event will be on sale at Computicket from April 18, 2011.

Adjudicators will expect from each participant an outstanding and true performance that displays originality (“spark”). The expected level of skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the performance is exceptionally high (being “cute” is not enough!).

The competition is open to recipients of diplomas or similar awards (90% and higher) in other eisteddfods and festivals during 2010. They are invited to enter for the NEA-Awards in the categories for which they have received diploma or similar awards (excluding all unprepared and improvised work). Participants in other festivals need to submit certified copies of the relevant diploma and adjudicator’s report with each entry. The organisers of other Eisteddfods and Festivals may also nominate their top achievers for participation in the NEA Young Performer Awards.

To enter, download the necessary entry form from the NEA website (www.eisteddfod.co.za) Complete the entry from, attach proof of payment and fax to 011 787 3534 before February 11, 2011. Entry fee R400 for participants in other festivals and events.

More information and entry forms from the office of the National Eisteddfod Academy on 011 886 6005 or e-mail: info@eisteddfod.co.za