Xola Limba, who is set to take part in a talent showcase in Orlando, Florida, in the US, was 10 years old when she took to the stage in school productions.
The 18-year-old actress, who hails from Mthatha, is one of a few South African participants selected to take part in the ARTS Talent Showcase from July 3 to 7 in the US.
The event organisers select and invite directors, dance centres, theatre companies and individuals from all over the world to showcase their talent before well-known talent scouts.
Limba, who is also a model, was selected out of hundreds of participants in the national leg of the auditions at the Silver Star Casino in Krugersdop earlier this year.
“I was extremely excited to learn that I had made it to the next level of the competition.
“Acting is something I am very passionate about. I hope to inspire people through acting.
“I have been performing on stage since the age of 10 and it all started with a school production.
“Now I do on-stage acting, live theatre and monologues for Eisteddfods,” the teen said.
Limba, a Clarendon High pupil, was selected to perform in Orlando by ARTS International Showcase executive director Kimberly Myers and casting director Rhavynn Drummer, from the Tyler Perry Studios.
“The competition was really tight as there were many talented actors and actresses. Everyone brought their A game to the auditions,” said Limba.
She will join other selected performers and have the opportunity to meet and perform for top agents, managers, and casting directors.
The categories for the talent showcase include acting, modelling, dancing and singing.
Myers said: “It is of utmost importance that we select only the very best for the ARTS International Showcase, offering only the best performers to our international panel of agents, record labels, casting directors, managers and producers from Hollywood, Miami, New York, Atlanta and in-between, as well as Europe and Asia.”
Limba, who also hosts a radio show, says she hopes to push the boundaries in the entertainment industry.
“I am a radio-presenter at Link FM, I am a youth leader at church, I act and I model.
“One day I would like to see myself on television and tell inspiring stories.
“Performing is my way of communicating and motivating the youth.
“My purpose in life is to practise and achieve excellence not only for myself but also for the youth.
“I am a person who feeds off positive energy from other people. That drives me.
“I am very excited about going to America. It is honestly a dream come true.
“However, the trip requires participants to pay for flights and accommodation and my family and I would appreciate any form of sponsorship as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I do not want to miss,” she said...