It’s onward and upward for young performer as she heads to the New York Film Academy
“I’m really humble and excited to be offered this opportunity to attend NYFA.”
Covid-19 could not stand in the way of Tesmin-Robyn Khanye reaching her dreams.
The young performer from Palm Ridge has just been accepted at the New York Film Academy (NYFA).
It has been a long journey for the performer, which started with long auditions and callbacks.
The 22-year-old was selected to participate in the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention, which takes place in New York in July.
Tesmin received a callback from Joey Zangardi, director of musical theatre recruitment at New York Film Academy last year, after she performed at the International Arts Talent Showcase.
She then applied for a two-year musical theatre programme and an audition was scheduled.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she couldn’t get a physical audition.
But that didn’t stop her from making it to her audition, and thanks to technology she auditioned via Zoom.
She said it was not easy to audition via Zoom because she had never done something like that before.
“It was a little nerve-wracking because I have never auditioned via online before, but I became calmer as they talked me through the whole audition.
“Also, they gave me enough time to perform my pieces,” said Tesmin.
She received an email from NYFA on June 9 accepting her. She also received a talent-based award worth $7 500 (R130 466) which will be paid per term towards her tuition.
“I’m over the moon.
“I’m really humble and excited to be offered this opportunity.
“It’s a dream come true for me as a performer,” said Tesmin.
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She will be studying musical theatre for two years.
Tesmin is meant to start in September if all is cleared and safe with regards to Covid-19.
If she is unable to come up with the remainder of the tuition money she will have to defer to next year.
“I’m excited about starting my studies, but with the travel bans I have to wait and see if will be allowed to travel.
“If things aren’t clear by the time I have to leave, I’ll have to start online, then join them in the second semester.
“If I cannot come up with the rest of the tuition money, I can defer my starting date to next year to give me time to come up with the money,” said Tesmin.
The GCN asked her what her acceptance to NYFA means to her.
“It means that I will be able to broaden my knowledge of the craft and be a better artist, as that is what I strive for on a daily basis.
“I will be able to show all the young aspiring artists in South Africa that international is not impossible and with determination and perseverance, you’ll be able to do anything,” said Tesmin.
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