DEADLINE FOR ACT SCHOLARSHIPS

A powerful panel of performing arts experts headlines the 2012 selection of winners for the ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships.

Talented young performers in Grade 12 are eagerly preparing for the anticipated Scholarships regional rounds to take place in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg during July.

Six finalists are set to strut their stuff in acting, singing and dancing to impress the likes of popular music artist HHP; presenter, actress and Production Manager of UJ Arts & Culture, Grace Meadows; actor, Naledi judge and writer Renos Nicos Spanoudes; Artist Manager from Talent Etc. Jennis Williamson; dancer and choreographer Lulu Mlangeni and musical theatre expert and director Anton Luitingh. These experts will be judging the six finalists on October 4 in Johannesburg at the UJ Arts & Culture Theatre at the University of Johannesburg.

Contenders will be assessed on their acting, singing and dancing potential. In order to secure a spot in the final, participants should demonstrate competence in all three disciplines with exceptional talent in at least one.

“An exciting first for the programme is an additional round of auditions in Port Elizabeth. This is clearly a welcome extension of the programme considering the response from contenders in the Eastern Cape,” says Pieter Jacobs, ACT General Manager.

Two scholarships to the value of R105,000 each will be awarded on the evening. These winners are able to choose to study their preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution.

All eligible candidates are invited to register before May 31. Rules and guidelines of the programme are available at www.act.org.za or call the ACT office on 011 712 8403.

The Durban venue and date for the KZN rounds is Danville Park Girls High School on July 27 and 28.

The Scholarships Programme is funded by the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Nedbank Arts Affinity, is hosted by UJ Arts & Culture and supported by Talent etc., Classicfeel Magazine, Sleepy Gecko Guest House and Pink Room Productions.