South African talent shoots for the stars and makes it big in Hollywood
JOBURG — South African born actress representing our country in Hollywood with her exceptional talent.
Many dream about a life of stardom but for most it will only remain a dream, except for homegrown talent, Tayla Schaffner who is making waves in Hollywood. Fast-tracking to international stardom, South African aspiring actress Schaffner has grown up with an immense passion for being in the spotlight and entertaining audiences with her talent.
Schaffner speaks of her early days. “It all started with a childhood dream. I was a huge fan of The Lion King and would re-enact many of the scenes. It was the beginning of a daring imagination and a lifelong fascination with the art of performance.”
Schaffner joined the Trinity Guild Hall for drama and by age 18, attained her full colours in drama. A suggestion from her drama teacher to audition for a full based talent scholarship to the New York Film Academy changed her life forever as she impressed the judges and packed her bags for The Big Apple.
During her two years at the school, Schaffner was cast in a total of 17 student-directed films. “It was unbelievable, sometimes I had to pinch myself to remind myself how lucky I am,” she said.
Not ready to slow down, Schaffner decided to further her studies and obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Los Angeles. So with the support of her family, Schaffner packed her bags yet again and headed for Hollywood.
She went full circle as she won the role of a female Scar (an adult male lion who succeeds Mufasa), in Simmie Sangian’s adaptation of The Lion King, a musical that played a major role during her childhood.
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It was also here that the youngster began to dabble in production and wrote the award-winning short film, When it Rains, directed by Kellen Gibs. Schaffner said of acting and producing, “It is all about telling a story; it is taking viewers on a journey, tricking their minds into visiting alternative universes.”
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