Deadline: May 31, 2015
The dream of winning a Performing Arts Scholarship from the
Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) can become a reality for three young performers
in 2015.
In partnership with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary
Rights Organisation (DALRO) and the Nedbank Arts Affinity – ACT, South Africa’s
premier independent arts funding and development agency, presents the 7th
annual ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Programme.
This premium arts tuition competition is open to Grade 12
learners and individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 who are not considered
professionals and wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the performing arts.
These individuals are encouraged to register for
participation in the regional round of nationwide auditions. To afford this
opportunity to as many aspirants as possible, auditions will be held in nine
regions, with the KZN auditions taking place on June 30 and July 1.
“We are thrilled by the growing interest and participation
of extremely talented aspiring performing artists over the past few years and
we are delighted that for the first time since the programme’s inception in
2009 ACT will be hosting auditions nationally,” said Pieter Jacobs, Chief
Executive Officer of ACT.
Participants will be put through their paces, showcasing
their talents in acting, singing and dancing with an exceptional talent in at
least one of these disciplines. In addition to preparing the prescribed
performances, contestants will also have the opportunity to perform a monologue
of their own choice.
In previous years the finals have been judged by industry
greats and experts such as; Gregory Maqoma, Kim Cloete, Nthati Moshesh, Bryan
Schimmel, Anton Luitingh, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Jennis Williamson. This year’s
national search will be judged by ACT’s Pieter Jacobs and Deidré Schoeman.
“Once again, DALRO is incredibly proud to be associated with
this prestigious programme. Our Performing Arts industries are dependent on
those who operate within it, to grow and stimulate it. We urge anyone who is
capable of acting, dancing and singing to register for this year’s ACT | DALRO
| NEDBANK Performing Arts Scholarships programme,” said André Cloete,
Supervisor for Theatrical Rights at DALRO.
To date, since its inception six years ago, the ACT | DALRO
| Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Programme has awarded 12 scholarships to
the total value of R1,260,000. This year, another three scholarships (R150,000,
R105,000 and R60,000) totalling the value of R315,000 will be awarded to the
top three performers.
“Our continued commitment to the arts and cultural heritage
of our country stems from the Nedbank’s aspirations of leading transformation
and enabling a community of leaders who are as highly involved in the
communities we serve. We believe that our on-going funding of the scholarship
programme will contribute towards the creation of a more cohesive and thriving
society. A society committed to making things that really matter happen,” said
Nkosinathi Msiza, Senior Manager for Brand Communications at Nedbank.
Finalists must be available for the final round from October
6 to 12 in Johannesburg where winners will be announced and awarded the
scholarships at the finale. The recipients will be at liberty to select their
preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary
institution.
Registrations for the Scholarships Programme are open until May
31 2015.
ACT acknowledges support from the following organisations as
regional partners: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); Port Elizabeth Opera
House (PEOH); Market Theatre; Mayibuye Arts Centre; University of the Free
State’s Scaena Theatre; Witbank Civic Theatre; Artéma Instituut vir
Kunstebestuur en Ontwikkeling.
For more information on previous winners, finalists,
guidelines and registration, visit www.act.org.za;
email scholarships@act.org.za or
contact the ACT office on 011 712 8403.