ACT & Market Theatre Passionate About Development

The 7th annual ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships has bred positive efforts to groom young artists through the programme.

Apart from the main purpose of finding talented finalists who will contend for a chance to receive one of the three scholarships to the total value of R315,000, the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) & Market Theatre have brought in an exciting element to add onto the learning and development aspect of this year’s Scholarships.
Upon announcement of the three-year partnership in support of the Scholarships, both institutions have taken the relationship to another level by ensuring that skills are shared and advanced throughout the course of the programme.

At the beginning of the 2015 ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships’ run, ACT announced that two of the previous winners will be part of the creative team as part of its alumni programme. Having gone through the grueling process of preparing for the final show, Chantél Evans and Kamogelo Nche, will now be on the other side as they are unveiled as the first pair to work with industry heavyweights who will mentor this year’s crop of talented participants.

“It would be shortsighted not to exploit the programme’s full and holistic potential as far as the development of young people is concerned. We are privileged to be partnering with the Market Theatre that shares our passion,” says Pieter Jacobs, CEO of ACT.
Lotanang Makoti, a product of the Market Theatre Laboratory, joins the crew as Assistant Director along with a number of the establishment’s current students who will gain first-hand experience by working with the creative team comprising independent and Market Theatre professionals. The Lab, as it’s popularly known, was the brainchild of the Market Theatre cofounder and Artistic Director, Barney Simon, and has become the most interesting platform where young artists meet, engage and discuss issues affecting the arts industry and creative processes. The theatre also prides itself in its efforts to create an authentic South African cultural experience which is committed to providing the highest level of artistic excellence in all aspects of the performing and visual arts in which the education and development of a diverse community of artists, audiences and technicians is assured.

“This relationship with ACT has come at such a crucial time for the Market Theatre Foundation where we have completely exalted our effort around mentorship and giving space to emerging voices. We are delighted to be associated with such a brand as ACT has done a lot to inspire, guide and give a leg up to all deserving young people,” says James Ngcobo, Artistic Director at the Market Theatre.

The work from these apprentices will be revealed at the 2015 ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships finale taking place at the Market Theatre’s John Kani Theatre, in the vibrant Newtown Precinct on 12 October 2015.
For more information on the Scholarships programme, please visit www.act.org.za

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb