A new set of matriculants can start preparing to be put
through their paces, and make their dream of becoming a performing artist a reality.
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in partnership with the
Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Nedbank Arts
Affinity, once again offers three Performing Arts Scholarships for local
aspirant performers.
The ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships
Programme is aimed at Grade 12 learners and individuals younger than 25 years
of age who are neither registered for an undergraduate degree nor considered to
be a professional performing artist. The programme takes the form of a
competition where participants are assessed on their acting, dancing and
singing potential and culminates in a final showcase before an independent
panel comprising judges the likes of popular artist HHP, producers Hazel
Feldman and Richard Loring, television personality Rozanne McKenzie and
internationally acclaimed choreographer Gregory Maqoma, who auditioned the
final round in the past.
“Education is key and this applies as much in the arts as in
accounting, law or engineering. Without the cultural representation the arts
bring, we would completely miss the message of a critical part of our social
framework, and our society would be far poorer for it,” says Managing Director
of DALRO, Advocate Nathi Gaisa.
In order to open this opportunity for as many aspirants as
possible, this year’s audition circuit will include Nelspruit in addition to
their usual stops in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and
Bloemfontein. Auditions will take place in June and July.
Maseda Ratshikuni, Head: Cause Marketing at Nedbank says
they are delighted to be part of this programme yet again. “Nedbank has a proud
history of supporting the arts, and being involved in the communities we serve.
We are very proud to be able to make a real difference in the lives of these
students and their families through our support of the ACT Scholarships
Programme; and also to emphasise the importance of education and the
development of the arts in our country.” he says.
Since the inception of the programme in 2009, nine
scholarships to the value of more than R900,000 have been awarded. Steve Norman
won the inaugural Scholarship and went on to study Theatre and Performance
Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Zola Myeza (2010 winner) from
KwaZulu-Natal also attended UCT, and is finding her professional feet thanks to
support from her agent, sponsor Talent etc. In 2011 two Scholarships were
awarded – Nomagugu Gumede from KZN enrolled at Howard College; and Tankiso
Mamabolo from the Eastern Cape is studying Theatre and Performance at UCT.
Chantel Evans and Amanda Kunene each won a R105,000
Scholarship in 2012, and are enrolled at Tswhane University of Technology’s
Musical Theatre Department and at Howard College respectively. 2013 Saw three
Scholarships awarded – to Naledi Majola from KZN (registered for a BA in
Theatre and Performance at UCT), Arlin Bantam from Cape Town (registered for
Drama and Theatre Studies at Stellenbosch University) and National School of
the Arts pupil Kamogelo Nche (studying Musical Theatre at TUT).
Three scholarships will be awarded in 2014, to the values of
R150,000; R105,000 and R60,000; totalling R315,000. The winners will be
announced after the Final, hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of
Johannesburg on October 13, 2014. Scholarship recipients will be at liberty to
select their preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African
tertiary institution.
The Scholarships Programme is currently open for
registrations until May 31, 2014. For more information or to register for
participation please visit www.act.org.za
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