Call for participation: Dream Factory workshop, AMDA scholarship auditions

The workshops will cover the following topics:

• Music business and royalties.
• 'Casting to get casted'.
• 'Developing and mastering your authentic confident self'.

The workshops will be held at the following places:

• Guild Theatre, East London – 7 May
• 33 and Me Talent Agency, Cape Town – 11 May
• 33 and Me Talent Agency, Johannesburg – 14 May

To take part in the workshops with Butler, interested participants should register via email at: creativedirector@33andme.co.za.

Every year, 33 and Me Talent Agency CEO Elsubie Verlinden travels across the country to seek out the best new talent this country has to offer.

“This is the season to empower the future of this nation,” Butler said. “I am coming back to South Africa for the 9th year now. Africa is part of my DNA. I never knew what it was about the country that kept drawing me back, but I soon realised it is what the citizens call Ubuntu. This is a country rich with talent and I want to continue strengthening the movement that The International ARTS Talent Showcase has mastered by uplifting and empowering the youth of South Africa.”

Verlinden said “Nate Butler is a vibrant source of wisdom that speaks to the heart of our youth. With the large unemployment rate in our country, predominantly among the youth, Nate speaks hope into the lives of our children. Now is the season for our youth to be empowered and take back their power. Our aim is to equip youngsters with the skills to get up and work at changing their circumstances.”

The upcoming series of auditions and workshops is part of a new reality television show called Dream Factory, which will be aired in June.

“Dream Factory, in collaboration with The International ARTS Talent Showcase, is travelling the country to create hope, empower and educate the youth and young adults in the entertainment, arts and fashion industry. We are discovering, identifying and developing our nation. Dream Factory is where dreams are manufactured, a show that will showcase the talent in all nine provinces, filled with back stories of struggle and victory. Moving from victim to victory mindsets, Dream Factory will drive hope, showcase undiscovered talent and empower our nation with real stories of transformation and success.”    

Scholarship applications

Meanwhile, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), in cooperation with the International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS), is calling on aspiring actors, dancers and musical theatre performers to audition for educational scholarships worth $850 000.

Over the past decade, IATS has been identifying and developing local talent through international arts education.

AMDA auditions will be held at the following venues:

• 33 and Me Talent Agency in Sandton, Johannesburg – 5 and 6 April.
• 33 of Me Talent Agency, Cape Town – 11 April.

To take part in the AMDA auditions, interested participants should email education@amdasa.co.za.