The finalists, who will compete to win one of three performing arts scholarships, with a combined value of R315 000 are: Arlin Bantam, Sinead Donnelly and Michaela Moses, all from Cape Town; Naledi Majola from KZN; Sibusiso Mxosana from the Eastern Cape; and Kamogelo Nche from Johannesburg.
Maseda Ratshikuni, head of cause marketing of Nedbank said: "On behalf of everyone at Nedbank and our Arts Affinity clients, I would like to congratulate the 2013 finalists of the ACT Scholarship Programme. We are inspired by your talent and passion and we believe that you will continue to make things happen."
Andre Cloete from DALRO, who forms part of the audition team, elaborated on its involvement: "When this programme was started, the objective was simple: give a deserving candidate the chance to make his dreams come true by facilitating his education in the performing arts. Not only have we been honouring that responsibility over the last few years, but have established significant growth of this amazing programme, with an additional two scholarships and a record number of entries this year. DALRO is proud to be associated with this programme and we look forward to building this legacy further with ACT and Nedbank. We go all over the country every year to find the six hopefuls. To be a triple-threat is a challenge in itself - the competition is always tough, and I really don't envy the finals judges."
The final event, which will be hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg, will have the six finalists showcasing their acting, dancing and singing abilities to a live audience and a panel of judges who are well respected in the performing arts industry.
With support from the Arts and Culture Trust, DALRO and Nedbank Arts Affinity; the three winners will be supported to study a performing arts course at their choice of South African tertiary institution. They will also receive practical support beyond their studies, including representation by SA talent agency Talent Etc.
The 2013 panel of judges comprises: Kgomotso Christopher, Rozanne Bishop, Jennis Williamson, David April, Nacia Kruger and Themi Venturas. The event will be hosted by Wits Drama Graduate, Altovise Lawrence - an aspiring MC who was also chosen though a countrywide audition process.
For more, go to www.act.org.za.
