Budding talent from in and around the West Rand got a chance to showcase their crafts when the young and talented performer, Gabrielle de Gama hosted a Talent Show on Friday, 6 March.
Singers, dancers, models and actors graced the Radford High School hall in Fairland to impress the judges who were also scouting for talent for their agencies.
While the primary purpose of the event was to give exposure to the up-and-coming talents, it also served as a fundraiser for Gabrielle and her family to bolster funds for a once-in-a-lifetime overseas experience for Gabrielle.
This 13-year-old aspiring model, singer, actress and dancer has been awarded a scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy’s summer camp in Los Angeles, where she will learn acting, film and musical theatre, and also perform at the International Model and Talent Show (IMTA). This all is to happens in less than four months.
The young and confident performer earned the scholarship after her exceptional performance at the International Junior Miss SA (IJM SA) pageant at Sun City recently. She won the Overall Winner Public Choice category, which made her R15 000 richer.
Speaking about her love of performance art, she said ever since she was young she dreamt of being a performer.
“My mother used to take me to theatre plays such as Annie and the International Arts Talent Showcase, and from there I knew that I wanted to be a performer,” she explained, adding that her love grew even more when she auditioned for Annie.
Regarding her show, she explained that she wanted to expose the participants to professionals from the entertainment industry.
Following the exciting performances, the judges were left with a tough decision to select the overall winner. However, the decision was finally made and Jessica-leigh Pringle from Weltevreden Park, who attends Northwest Christian School, claimed the prize for her Russian KGB Agent monologue. The 11-year-old scooped a contract with 33 and Me Talent agency, a photo shoot and a New York Film Academy workshop worth R3 700.
Runners-up did not go home empty-handed as the scouts also gave them an opportunity to join their agency to help them with their promising careers.
