A young Mdantsane singer has landed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impress international talent scouts later this year at the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) Convention in New York.
If successful at the convention, Unathi Moss could then be selected to join the New York Film Academy and Music Theatre, or receive casting opportunities through international talent scouts.
Moss, known by her stage name “Thixunathi”, is one of 47 young South African stars who have been selected to attend the New York event.
The 25-year-old said she first heard about the ARTS Convention last year.
“The convention has a team working here in South Africa, and last year they held auditions at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre, which I took part in around May.
“In October I went to Johannesburg for the second round of the auditions and I made it to the final team.”
ARTS Convention regional director Elsubie Verlinden said Moss was one of six Eastern Cape entrants taking part at this year’s convention. The other five entrants were from Port Elizabeth.
Last year, Mthatha-born Sibulele Kwakhe was among a group of 52 selected to attend the convention. “Sibulele was cast for the new Garnier package; we are waiting for confirmation later this week. I am so happy for her, she is talented,” said Verlinden.
She said the exposure the artists received opened many doors for them.
Verlinden said they encouraged the young artists to audition in more than one category when attending the convention.
“We try and get them as many opportunities as possible,” she said.
Moss said she would be auditioning in the following categories: photography; creative runway modelling; TV commercials; improv performance; film scene performance; cold read performance; monologue performance; and singing.
“This promises to be one of my greatest achievements. I believe an opportunity like this will open doors for me.”
Each of the selected entrants will have to pay for their own transport to New York, and accommodation once there.
Moss said she would be hosting a fundraising show with the assistance of the provincial department of arts and culture.
She has sent letters to various companies asking for assistance. “I have been knocking on many doors and I am praying that it all works out for me.”
The ARTS Convention takes place in July. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
M’sane singer makes cut for New York talent show
If successful at the convention, Unathi Moss could then be selected to join the New York Film Academy and Music Theatre, or receive casting opportunities through international talent scouts.
Moss, known by her stage name “Thixunathi”, is one of 47 young South African stars who have been selected to attend the New York event.
The 25-year-old said she first heard about the ARTS Convention last year.
“The convention has a team working here in South Africa, and last year they held auditions at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre, which I took part in around May.
“In October I went to Johannesburg for the second round of the auditions and I made it to the final team.”
ARTS Convention regional director Elsubie Verlinden said Moss was one of six Eastern Cape entrants taking part at this year’s convention. The other five entrants were from Port Elizabeth.
Last year, Mthatha-born Sibulele Kwakhe was among a group of 52 selected to attend the convention. “Sibulele was cast for the new Garnier package; we are waiting for confirmation later this week. I am so happy for her, she is talented,” said Verlinden.
She said the exposure the artists received opened many doors for them.
Verlinden said they encouraged the young artists to audition in more than one category when attending the convention.
“We try and get them as many opportunities as possible,” she said.
Moss said she would be auditioning in the following categories: photography; creative runway modelling; TV commercials; improv performance; film scene performance; cold read performance; monologue performance; and singing.
“This promises to be one of my greatest achievements. I believe an opportunity like this will open doors for me.”
Each of the selected entrants will have to pay for their own transport to New York, and accommodation once there.
Moss said she would be hosting a fundraising show with the assistance of the provincial department of arts and culture.
She has sent letters to various companies asking for assistance. “I have been knocking on many doors and I am praying that it all works out for me.”
The ARTS Convention takes place in July. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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