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Thursday, May 9, 2013

ACT/DALRO SCHOLARSHIPS



Registration deadline approaches for Scholarships

Budding performing artists are reminded that the deadline for the ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships for 2013 is fast approaching.

These scholarships are awarded to enable ambitious youngsters keen to pursue a performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution. Through an annual country-wide competition; participants are assessed on their acting, dancing and singing potential; with the process culminating in a final showcase before an independent panel of judges.

“It is an immense privilege to be able give the greatest gift of all; education to young people. With DALRO and Nedbank’s generous support, the Arts & Culture Trust has been able to award six scholarships through an investment of more than R900 000 to date. We are extremely grateful to have partners who share our commitment to the development of artistic talent,” says Chief Executive Officer of The Arts & Culture Trust, Pieter Jacobs.

Sponsored by Nedbank Arts Affinity and the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO), the ACT Scholarships Programme is aimed at learners in their final year of secondary education who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the performing arts. Also eligible for participation are individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 25 but not considered to be professional or registered for an undergraduate course during 2013.

In order to secure commitment from participants, a registration fee of R120 per entry is charged and proceeds are utilised for the implementation of the Scholarship Programme. For the auditions, participants are required to prepare a prescribed monologue, song and dance. In addition to the prescribed performances, contestants will also get an opportunity to perform their chosen monologue, song and dance.

During the preliminary round, a panel of judges, comprising two ACT staff members and one DALRO representative will select six finalists after conducting auditions in six cities, as follows -

June 22: Hosted by the Stable Theatre, Durban
June 24 and 25: hosted by the Theatre Arts Admin Collective, Cape Town
June 27: hosted by the PE Opera House, Port Elizabeth,
July 8 & 9: hosted by UJ Arts & Culture, Johannesburg,
July 13: hosted by the Mangaung Drama and Dance Group, Bloemfontein,

The fifth annual ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships will culminate in a final performance, hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg, on September 30, 2013. Three Scholarships will be awarded at the finals, to the values of R150,000, R105,000 and R60,000. All finalists need to be in position to attend this phase. ACT will cover the costs of travel and accommodation for finalists.

In 2012, more than 140 aspirant performers registered for participation in the ACT Scholarship Programme and the newly implemented auditions for the MC of the event attracted more than 50 emerging presenters in Johannesburg alone.

The closing date for registrations is May 31, 2013. Eligible candidates wishing to register can visit www.act.org.za or contact the ACT office on 011 712 8403 or e-mail deidre@act.org.za