Drama students shine at Talent Africa

The Linda Theron Drama Studio put their best feet forward at the recent Talent Africa nationals.

Held at the Pro-musica auditorium in Roodepoort from 24 to 28 March, 37 students from the studio proved to be the best junior actors in the country.

The students have also been included in team South Africa, to represent the country at the Talent America during the winter holidays in New York.

“Talent Africa presented the absolute most prestigious national talent competition of the highest calibre in South Africa. The main aim is to give artists with the relevant talent the best opportunity to be exposed to all that the entertainment world can offer on a provincial, national and international level,” said the studio’s owner and coach, Linda Theron.

The four-day competition consisted of various categories including acting, dancing, vocals, modelling and photography. “We spent hours and hours rehearsing every week and had a 13-hour final dress-rehearsal marathon. In the end hard work, perseverance, commitment and dedication and a touch of talent delivered the winning combination,” Theron added.

These 37 talented students won the following acting awards – 237 gold medals, 124 silver medals and nine bronze medals.

Overall Acting Awards:

Zean Pieterse: Age group 5–7 (3rd place)

Lehan Kruger: Age group 9–11 (2nd place)

Lyndré Kruger: Age group 12–14 (1st place)

Amore Kok Age: Group 15–17 (2nd place)

Overall Dialogue Award:

Amoré Kok and Elzaan Botha for their performance from Monster

Best Group Costume:

Lyndré Kruger, Anastasia Leontiou, Ria-Mari van Wyngaard, Nianca Kempenaar for their performance from Anne of Green Bables

Best Solo Costume:

Zack de Beer for his performance as the genie from Aladdin

Best Solo Concept:

Lehan Kruger for his dramatic monologue

Best Group Concept:

Luca Roets and Tatiana Leontiou for their performance of Cinderella Ella

Best Junior Group:

Willy Wonka

Best Senior Group:

Hillbrow

Most Promising Actor Award:

Lyndré Kruger

Top 10 Award:

This prestigious glass medal is awarded to any junior or any senior with the highest percentage in any genre and any style covering acting, dancing, vocals, instruments and modelling.

Jenna Alderton, Lehan Kruger and Lyndré Kruger were the winners.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed by my 37 students and their achievement,” Linda concluded.