Talented locals to be empowered
ILLOVO – “Our aim is to equip youngsters with the skills to get up and work at changing their circumstances,” said producer Elsubie Verlinden.
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The International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS) is on a quest to identify local talent.
Chairman of 33 and Me talent agency, based in Illovo, and producer of the showcase, Elsubie Verlinden is travelling across the country to scout for new talent.
This year, Verlinden has flown in music producer and casting director Nate Butler to join the panel of adjudicators at the May 7 auditions in East London as well as the May 14 auditions in Johannesburg. Butler will also host a number of workshops during his time in the country.
Butler said, “This is the season to empower the future of this nation. I am coming back to South Africa for the ninth year now. Africa is part of my DNA… This is a country rich with talent and I want to continue strengthening the movement that the International Arts Talent Showcase has mastered by uplifting and empowering the youth of South Africa.”
Butler will host a number of workshops covering topics including casting, mastering and developing your authentic self and on the music business and royalties.
Verlinden said, “Nate Butler is a vibrant source of wisdom that speaks to the heart of our youth. With the large unemployment rate in our country, predominantly among the youth, Nate speaks hope into the lives of our children. Now is the season for our youth to be empowered and take back their power.
“Our aim is to equip youngsters with the skills to get up and work at changing their circumstances.”
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy will bring $850 000 in partial educational scholarships in cooperation with the International Arts Talent Showcase. Auditions for these scholarships will take place on April 5 and 6 in Johannesburg.
To take part in the workshops with Nate Butler, email creativedirector@33andme.co.za and to take part in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy auditions, email education@amdasa.co.za
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