Two Eastern Cape matrics are a big step closer to becoming stars of the stage and screen after winning scholarships in the finals of the national Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre this week.
Lady Grey Arts Academy matrics Caleb Heynes and Andiswa Mbolekwa, both 19, came second and third respectively in the annual ACT/Dalro/Nedbank Performing Arts scholarship competition, which is in its seventh year.
This week six finalists, chosen following auditions in all nine provinces, took to the Market Theatre stage in a glamorous evening in which they performed a monologue, a song and a dance in front of a panel of showbiz judges and a packed auditorium.
School headboy Heynes said coming second and winning R105000 towards his studies next year was “life changing”.
“It means a lot to me that my passion and craft are appreciated. I didn’t think I would be able to study and now I have the opportunity,” said the young performer who wowed the judges with his monologue from Andrew Buckland’s The Ugly Noo Noo.
“His monologue was brilliant,” said proud Lady Grey Arts Academy principal Hendrik Bekker. “And Andiswa sang very well. They are both born to be on stage.”
Soprano Mbolekwa said she was “at her happiest” after securing a R60000 scholarship.
“I did have hope in myself, but there was always doubt about the future. But now I am able to go to school next year.”
Capetonian Carla Smith bagged first prize and R150000 towards her tuition in the dramatic arts.
Having just bused back from Johannesburg, both performers are heading to Pretoria today to audition for places in Tshwane University of Technology’s diploma in musical theatre.
“When they return they will have one week before their matric exams begin,” said Bester.
“But one of the advantages of being at our school is that our programme is full so they get used to the pressure and can cope once they are in the industry.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
World is a stage for talented EC matrics
Lady Grey Arts Academy matrics Caleb Heynes and Andiswa Mbolekwa, both 19, came second and third respectively in the annual ACT/Dalro/Nedbank Performing Arts scholarship competition, which is in its seventh year.
This week six finalists, chosen following auditions in all nine provinces, took to the Market Theatre stage in a glamorous evening in which they performed a monologue, a song and a dance in front of a panel of showbiz judges and a packed auditorium.
School headboy Heynes said coming second and winning R105000 towards his studies next year was “life changing”.
“It means a lot to me that my passion and craft are appreciated. I didn’t think I would be able to study and now I have the opportunity,” said the young performer who wowed the judges with his monologue from Andrew Buckland’s The Ugly Noo Noo.
“His monologue was brilliant,” said proud Lady Grey Arts Academy principal Hendrik Bekker. “And Andiswa sang very well. They are both born to be on stage.”
Soprano Mbolekwa said she was “at her happiest” after securing a R60000 scholarship.
“I did have hope in myself, but there was always doubt about the future. But now I am able to go to school next year.”
Capetonian Carla Smith bagged first prize and R150000 towards her tuition in the dramatic arts.
Having just bused back from Johannesburg, both performers are heading to Pretoria today to audition for places in Tshwane University of Technology’s diploma in musical theatre.
“When they return they will have one week before their matric exams begin,” said Bester.
“But one of the advantages of being at our school is that our programme is full so they get used to the pressure and can cope once they are in the industry.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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