Gemma shines at international showcase
Former Benoni resident Gemma Rose Angileri (17) is becoming a quadruple asset to the entertainment industry, with talents in singing, dancing, acting and modelling.
Currently living in Krugersdorp, she recently attended the Actors, Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC) Shine, a prestigious showcasing event held in Orlando, in Florida, USA, twice a year.
She participated in the Winter Shine event during December and January, and made it through to both the acting and dance finales.
She was one of a few South Africans scouted through the South African Talent Championships (Satch), to attend the event, where performances are showcased in front of Hollywood casting agents and executives, such as Sony entertainment, VH1 and Tate Records, among others.
Flash interviews are done, during which participants have the opportunity to approach agents directly.
Gemma’s mother, Angie, said that, despite these agents being brutally honest, each one Gemma approached was interested in working with her when they realised she was serious about moving to America.
She received three main callbacks, from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, the New York Film Academy and Bloc South Talent.
She was awarded second place overall in the VIP Dancer category; was named Prayer Warrior — voted for by her peers — and was one of five talents awarded a two-year 20 000 dollar scholarship to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, which takes in only 30 students per year for this programme.
Gemma and her family moved out of Benoni — which they still consider to be home and where a number of their loved ones remain — about two years ago.
She started her dance training at the age of four, with tap and modern dancing through Steps School of Dance. She also studied ballet with Julliette Ralinsky and the Russian Youth Ballet Academy.
She has since branched out into honing her singing, acting and modelling talents.
A former St Dunstan’s Preparatory School , Arbor Primary and Benoni High School pupil, Gemma is currently being home schooled in order to focus on her career.
She has two sisters, Olivia (15) and Isabella (11), and a brother, Luciano (13), who are also interested in the entertainment industry.
Gemma will leave for America within seven months, to further her training as an actress with the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.
She feels confident that she is a born entertainer and lives to be on stage.
Gemma and Angie hope her story will inspire other young talents to follow their dreams.
“If just one person is inspired by her story it will be a blessing,” said Angie.
Those hoping to be scouted for AMTC can do so by entering Satch, at satch.co.za.
