MARLIEN Snyman, a Pinetown resident, is set to compete in the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS) competition, in Florida, United States in June.
The 24-year-old speech and drama student earned a spot at the prestigious event after she was scouted by international talent scout, Kim Myers, when she performed at the Summer Heat Model and Talent Search competition in February.
At the latter Snyman also earned a place in the finals, after competing in three genres, singing, acting and modeling.
Myers has been credited for discovering some of the talented actors starring in famous television series such as, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Glee and 90210.
More than 50 talented contestants have been drafted by Myers for the ARTS event. Snyman is one of a dozen contestants scouted during the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the Summer Heat Model and Talent Search tour.
According to Snyman, talent scouts from agencies such as Sony/BMG, MGM and New York Film Academy will also be watching her performances at the ARTS event.
She will be singing and acting at the showcase, and will also be performing as the duchess in Alice in Wonderland during a monologue .
“I have always wanted to perform, and I have always loved to sing and act. I am actually shy, but with drama you become free. I am very proud to represent South Africa and, of course, my home town, Pinetown,” said Snyman.
In addition to attaining international fame, the young beauty also aspires to open her own studio, where she hopes to offer young children speech and drama therapy.
“It is amazing to see how drama can help children become more confident. I would like to continue helping children grow their inner selves,” said Snyman.
