Call for applications: ACT scholarships 2018

Funded by Nedbank and the Dramatic Arts and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and supported by the Market Theatre, the scholarships programme strives to nurture young talent and provide tertiary education opportunities to young people who have their sights set on pursuing performing arts training next year.

Interested individuals can register here. The deadline is 31 May.

The application is open to South African pupils who are currently in Grade 12 and individuals under the age of 30 who have successfully completed Grade 12 and are not currently registered to study towards an undergraduate degree.

“DALRO is once again proud to partner with the ACT in ensuring the future of our arts industry," DALRO supervisor: theatricals and general licensing Elroy Bell said. "Access to education should not be a hindrance to anyone wishing to pursue a career in the arts, which is why we are glad to continue our long-standing support of the ACT Scholarship Programme."

ACT will conduct countrywide auditions from 26 June to 10 July. Three finalists in each category – singing, musical theatre, dancing and acting – will be selected to travel to Johannesburg for a week of intensive training and rehearsals. The week culminates in a final showcase that will be held at the Market Theatre in front of an independent panel of judges. The panel, made up of industry professionals, will award the scholarships based on the evening’s performances and interviews conducted earlier in the day.

ACT CEO Marcus Desando said: “We are looking for dedicated scholars with drive and ambition. Sometimes it’s the commitment they show during the week that tips the balance. I don’t envy the judges, it’s always a tough decision.”

Market Theatre Foundation brand and communications manager Zama Buthelezi said: “As an institution committed to promoting artistic excellence and to broadening access for both audiences and artists, the Market Theatre Foundation is pleased to once again support the scholarship programme,”

Since 2009, ACT, DALRO and the Nedbank have awarded scholarships to 27 scholars and students worth R25m ($2m) in tertiary education funding.

“We are excited to once again be part of giving talented young artists and performers across South Africa the chance to pursue their dreams," Nedbank head of group sponsorships and cause marketing, Tobie Badenhorst, said.

“Nedbank’s brand essence is all about money experts who do good and this is why we continue to fund ACT and these extremely important performing arts scholarships.”

Past winners of the scholarship programme include Arlin Bantam, Tankiso Mamabolo and Zola Myeza.

For more information about this call, visit the ACT official website.