Auditions for TV drama MTV Shuga in Johannesburg

MTV Shuga producers are looking to cast fresh homegrown talent to fill a range of male and female roles in the award-winning drama series, alongside returning cast members such as South African actress Mohau Mokoatle Cele, who plays the role of 'Bongi' in the series. As well as a number of principal roles, four minor roles will be chosen through online and on-the-ground auditions.

Open auditions will be held on 15 October between 9am and 5pm at Bassline, Newtown, Johannesburg. To be eligible, you must be a South African resident between the ages of 18 and 35, with good spoken English and a clean criminal record. No previous acting experience is necessary. Candidates are required to bring along photo ID and a good quality portrait of themselves (minimum size: 7cm x 5cm). Applicants must be available for filming in Johannesburg between December 2016 and January 2017.

For the first time, acting hopefuls who cannot attend the auditions can submit a short video of themselves auditioning for the part on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #MTVShuga5. Sample scripts and details are available at www.mtvshuga.com.

Now in South Africa

MTV Shuga is a multimedia campaign and TV series that has been successfully highlighting issues affecting young people in Africa for the last eight years. Independent research has shown that the series actively changes behaviour and attitudes to safe sex and HIV testing.

Previously filmed in Kenya and Nigeria, season five of MTV Shuga is being supported by South Africa’s Ministry of Basic Education, PEPFAR (The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), Marie Stopes International, ViiV Healthcare's Positive Action, and CIFF (Children's Investment Fund Foundation).

Set and filmed in South Africa for the first time, season five of MTV Shuga will include a new focus on storylines relevant to South African youth, including adolescent girls and their vulnerability to HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, alongside other storylines relating to sexual and emotional issues affecting young people.

MTV Shuga will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322)) and BET (DStv channel 129) and other terrestrial broadcasters and other MTV networks and third party broadcasters around the world from 8 March 2017. Other elements of the campaign will include a radio drama series, peer educator programme, comic book, mobile information service, social media and a range of digital platforms.