This opportunity has been granted to them as part of the eighth annual Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship Programme. Since 2009, ACT has been supporting arts students through this programme. The difference this year is that there are more scholarships on offer to Grade 12 scholars and to first and second year university students than ever before.
Funded by the National Lotteries Commission, and supported by the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Organisation, and the Nedbank Arts Affinity, the programme aims to change the lives of dramatic arts, singing, dance, and musical theatre scholars and students.
After a nationwide search, ACT has selected the students from the National School of the Arts, The Settlers High School, Lady Grey Arts Academy, Bloemhof Girls High, Lyttelton Manor High School, and Stirling High School.
ACT CEO Pieter Jacobs says of the six finalists: “It takes a rare combination of natural talent, potential for growth, charisma, and a bit of magic that leads to a candidate being selected as one of finalists from among 300 participants. It’s going to be a very tough final round and we are excited to host these exceptional young performers and see them battle it out on stage.”
The scholars will showcase their talent at the final event on Monday, 10 October at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. The winners will be named on the night.