Local actress pursues ‘American dream’
Erin Passmore. an aspiring actress, was selected as one of the few South African artists to compete in an international talent showcase in Orlando, Florida in July.
ASPIRING actress and model, Erin Passmore (21) from the Highway area, was selected to represent South Africa at the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) in Orlando, USA from 25 to 31 July.
After making her way through a number of audition processes, Erin was then chosen by international talent scout and ARTS director, Kim Myers, to attend the ARTS and made Erin’s ‘International Is Not Impossible’ dream into a reality. ARTS is an international talent event that provides a platform for actors, singers, models and dancers to showcase their talents before a live audience together with an extensive international scouting panel comprising leading names in the film, fashion and entertainment industries, who are looking for the best new talent worldwide.
Erin realised her passion for acting midway through 2007 and was involved in numerous school plays while attending Maris Stella School. Added to this, she played a few lead roles in external stage productions, which intensified her drive and passion to be involved in anything related to acting.
After matriculating, Erin attended AFDA Film School in Durban and successfully completed her three years of study last year, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts – Live Performance. Studying at AFDA provided her with many student film opportunities and being awarded best female actress was a perfect ending to that chapter.
At the beginning of this year, Erin signed on with her agency, Just You Model and Artist Management, which is based in Johannesburg. The director of this agency, Elsubie Verlinden, together with her team, including Elouise Janse van Rensburg and booking agent, Sam Williams, provided mountains of encouragement and inspiration for Erin as well as insightful knowledge of what to expect and how to prepare for the ARTS. Preparation is key and she has attended bootcamps and workshops together with the other artists to be fully-prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
She relocated temporarily to Johannesburg in March to be closer to the entertainment action and her agency, which sent her to auditions and castings whenever possible. This proved to be a brilliant decision as she booked her first casting to appear in a South African Airways (SAA) commercial shortly afterwards. Not only has the move to Joburg given her experience in the industry, but it has shown her what it is really like in the ‘big world’ after school and studying.
Erin said: “All my life I’ve dreamed of being able to go to America and showcase my talent but I’ve always thought, ‘Where on earth would I start?’. For this opportunity and platform to come along where I can do just that, while agents and judges come to watch me perform – well, I could not have wished or prayed for a better opportunity at this stage of my career.”
Erin is beaming with excitement for what is in store for her in the US and is ready to soak up every bit of her two-week American dream.
