Locals to showcase artistic talents
THE 11th annual international ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) is back and will take place at Silverstar Casino from September 23 to 25.
This year’s theme is “My African Dream”, a celebration of the talent coming out of Africa.
Aimed at inspiring young, new and aspiring talent to unleash their full potential, the showcase will also be broadcast on the Live Your Dream TV Show on VIA TV.
As part of their yearly scholarship programmes, the IATS producer and director of 33 & Me Talent Agency, Elsubie Verlinden, has secured $250 000 (about R3 536 987) in partial scholarships for talented locals to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles or New York City.
“The programme will be insightful, educational and inspirational. It will share the stories of hopeless dreamers that become victorious doers,” says Verlinden. “Through years of experience, we have created platforms where creatives can launch their career paths, both locally and internationally.”
It is the first time the IATS will be awarding educational programmes for dancers.
Verlinden has been appointed as the premiere agent for AMDA in South Africa. Santana Trujillo and J Elaine Marcos are the judges who will select deserving candidates for the scholarships.
Trujillo graduated from AMDA with a BFA in Dance Theatre. The owner of Gayton Dance Studio in Colorado, US, and the dance outreach manager for AMDA has also performed and choreographed for several Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Marcos is an AMDA alumna and 10 times Broadway Veteran known for her comedic timing.
She starred as Lily St Regis in the Broadway revival of Annie, and has also played the character of Cynthia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which earned her an Astaire Award Nomination for Excellence in Dance.
Other guest judges include Nate Butler (A&R for America's Got Talent and X-Factor), Blaze Johnson (The Voice, season 8) and Rhavynn Drummer (independent casting director for Tyler Perry Studios).
Tickets for The International ARTS Talent Showcase can be accessed by emailing: info@itsartsafrica.co.za
As a cherry on top, Marcos will be hosting an acting for film, theatre and dance workshop during her visit to South Africa. The three hour workshop will be at 33 & Me Talent Agency on Tuesday, with limited space available due to regulations.
To book your spot, email: education@amdasa.co.za