Thursday, April 30, 2015

Call for final submission DGLFF | Auditions | Opera Development


Call for final submissions: 5th annual Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (18-26 June 2015)

The 5th annual Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (DGLFF) will be taking place this year from Thursday 18 to Friday 26 June at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) gallery, in Glenwood, Durban. Started in 2011 to fulfill a need for queer cinema to be showcased and a platform for LGBTI issues to be highlighted, the DGLFF has also had growing success in connecting young, emerging and established filmmakers from across the globe in an affirming and positive pink space.

The small number of South African and African queer, LGBTI, gender or sexuality-themed productions made annually is something that I hope the DGLFF can encourage an increase in, providing a platform for new productions as it has the past 4 Festivals; connecting international independent and micro-filmmaking practitioners in an atmosphere that celebrates cinema and our LGBTI community.

As the only city-based LGBTI film festival in Africa (to our current knowledge) it remains imperative to hold up a beacon of positive, ground-breaking, thought-provoking and human rights-affirming stories for those who remain oppressed and persecuted throughout Africa and the world. At the opening of the inaugural DGLFF, senior psychology lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Steven Roche, eloquently stated, in reference to LGBTI discrimination, that it remains: "the last acceptable prejudice".

In light of this, and in the spirit and theme of  ON COMMON GROUND, they invite a last round of especially South African and African filmmakers to submit feature films, documentaries and short films for consideration for the 2015 Official Selection. The forms can be obtained from Jason Fiddler - email jason@dglff.org.za 

Final submissions will be considered up to Friday 8 May 2015.

Join the DGLFF for screenings, participate in filmmaking workshops & dialogues, and network with peers across the spectrum of humanity.

Contact Jason Fiddler the Festival Director for more details

Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014

Emailjason@dglff.org.za  | Websitewww.dglff.org.za  | FB Page: www.facebook.com/DGLFF


Auditions

Actors Studio Auditions at the Playhouse

The Playhouse Company is holding auditions for young performers to join their Actors Studio, a resident company aimed primarily at recent graduates who hold a tertiary qualification in drama as well as young professionals with no less than three years practical stage experience will also be considered.

Successful candidates will join the Playhouse Actors Studio for a year during which they will attend workshops and master classes aimed at enhancing their practical skills and further developing their talent in a professional theatre environment. The Studio will also provide opportunities for its members to appear in Playhouse Company productions with established guest artists and to develop educational tours and outreach programmes.

Suitable candidates who wish to audition should prepare two monologues in English; one should be from a classical work, the other from a contrasting contemporary piece. Each monologue should be no longer than three minutes in duration.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday 6 May between 09:00 and 12:00 in Studio A1 (Playhouse Head Office). Please note that you might be required to wait for your audition. To book, please call 031 369 9457.



FILM AUDITION CALL- KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMY’S
Junaid Ahmed Productions, in association with African Lotus Productions, is proud to announce that they will be producing KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMY's, a feature film set in the sprawling township of Chatsworth. This heart-warming comedy revolves around the lives of two women and their journey of friendship. The movie will be directed by Jayan Moodley (White Gold) and produced by Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring, the team behind the critically acclaimed film Hard To Get.
Keeping Up with The Kandasamy’s will be filmed during September this year and is slated for an April 2016 cinema release.
Excitement is set to hit the Chatsworth Youth Centre as auditions get underway for this new movie. If you’re keen, please send an email to: keepingupthemovie@gmail.com or call Indhrannie on 031 4096423 (office hours only) to book your audition slot. You will be given a complete character bible and the necessary requirements, including the scenes you would have to prepare for the audition.

Date: 9 and 10 May

Venue: Chatsworth Youth Centre
The following characters are to be auditioned:
Characters:
JENNIFER Kandasamy – Female, around 45 years old. Smart, well-spoken and a real snob. Slim and graceful.
SHANTHI Naidoo – Female, around 45 years old. Chubby, exuberant and a classic people pleaser. Short in stature.
JODI Kandasamy- Female, must pass for 19 years old. First year at University. Beautiful, intelligent, confident and fun loving.
PRANESH Naidoo - Male, 21 years old. Debonair and charming. Third year medical school. Mr Nice Guy.
MARLIN- Male, 23 years old. Flamboyant wedding planner - a real drama queen.
AYA- Female, over 65 years old. Witty and very funny. ‘Inflicted’ with all kinds of ailments.
PREGGIE- Male, 48 years old. Loving husband and loyal friend. Most comfortable in his township.

Auditions will also take place later in May at other various in Durban and Johannesburg- dates to be announced in early May.


AVT applications open for free opera development

The Africa Voices Trust officially opens applications for a free development programme in Opera - Leadership through Music and Performance Excellence.

The Africa Voices Trust is a non-profit organisation that supports the development of highly talented young musicians. Through the Africa Voices Programme, the Trust identifies and educates future stars across all musical genres, providing them with the vital skills they need in order to create financially sustainable and meaningful careers. This intensive programme is designed to fast track and elevate local talent to international standards by providing practical experience and high-level mentorship opportunities.

Selected musicians are guided through a ten month process in mastering their chosen fields both as a performer and industry professional. The goal of the programme is not just to teach participants valuable skills; but to identify and nurture leadership potential, to support their entrepreneurial spirit and to actively inspire and empower them to take responsibility for their role as future standard bearers in the growth of the South African Music Industry. Successful participants work in the largest and best-equipped studios in the country and receive coaching and support from sound engineers, mixing engineers, programmers, producers, managers, arrangers, entertainment lawyers, agents and other industry professionals.

Africa Voices actively nurtures youth entrepreneurship and emphasises the importance of their participants becoming future leaders and socially-responsible mentors within their communities for the duration of their careers. The Africa Voices Trust presents a unique opportunity in developing engaged leadership through the powerful medium of music.

The 2015 Programme is dedicated to Opera due to the demand identified in this genre, and is aimed at building upon the knowledge and experience already gained by dedicated up and coming artists in this field. The Africa Voices Programme is a “master class” which empowers talented local artists and will be valuable to both individuals who have gained experiential skills, as well as individuals who have pursued academic studies in Opera.

Opera is a live performance based genre, and so the programme will be focussed on refining live performance skills as well as training participants to function as effective, professional artists in this often high stress and audition-based world. The genre requires of artists to be able to work in many different environments, and so participants need to be prepared for a very intense and demanding programme - designed to prepare them to work anywhere in the world, under the most challenging career conditions possible.

Selected participants of the 2015 programme will all be considered for the Caroli Singing Award, an exciting new initiative launched through an affiliation with the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. The award consists of the opportunity to travel to Germany for 10 days in order to experience the inner workings of an internationally acclaimed opera house and have the opportunity to audition for the Young Artist Programme of the Bayerische Staatsoper.

The programme is seeking recommendations of potential participants that come highly recommended by respected individuals and entities within the creative industry. The Africa Voices Trust invites you to recommend individuals that you feel are showing great promise - vocalists you believe in and who have the potential to develop into a standard-bearer as an artist with the right guidance and support.

There is no academic requirement to gain entry to the programme – unlike many other professions, musical talent and potential are not effectively determined by academic accomplishment alone. However successful vocalists must display remarkable musical talent, execution, charisma and ambition distinguishing them from hundreds of applicants. Selection is not only based on musical talent - Africa Voices candidates must display creative energy, a drive to succeed and the courage to hold themselves to the highest standards.

The Africa Voices Programmes are currently held in Cape Town. Applications are open to individuals from across the country, however individuals not living in the Mother City would need to be prepared to travel to or relocate to Cape Town for the duration of the programme.

Participation in the programme itself is at no cost to successful applicants as funds for these expenses are raised by the Africa Voices Trust.

The Africa Voices team is determined to make a real difference in the industry and facilitate a significant impact on the lives and careers of the participants that fall under their care. They commit to building a legacy of excellence and integrity.

The programme will consist of 8 to 12 young lead singers.

All voice types are welcome.

Prospective candidates will need to be formally nominated by either a music professional or an educational or other music institution by means of submitting a recommendation form. Initial selection is made from all received recommendation forms, upon which selected artists will be contacted to submit a participant application form as well as a motivational essay. Once all participant applications have been reviewed, a shortlist of prospective candidates will be required to attend a live audition and interview in front of an independent panel of judges.

Please refer to the online recommendation form here: https://africavoicestrust.typeform.com/to/CAn4hC

The closing date for recommendations is 29 May 2015.

Should you prefer that the recommendation forms be sent to your e-mail address, please request for us to do so at info@africavoices.co.za

For any further queries, please contact the Africa Voices Trust Director:
Jessica Schnehage
021 786 4451
jessica@africavoices.co.za

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Durban Seminar for Entrepreneurs and Small Business in Woodwork Industry


ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WOODWORK INDUSTRY

Small businesses and those that aspire to start a business in woodwork and furniture manufacturing, will have the opportunity to gain more insight on this sector at an information sharing session in Springfield Wednesday, 29/04/2015.

The seminar, which is organised by eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Furniture Technology Centre Trust (Furntech), is targeted at unemployed youth, Small, Medium and Micro Entrepreneurs, and those who tried to establish businesses but were unsuccessful. Participants will get an opportunity to learn more about the carpentry sector and contribute in growing the economy through job creation.

Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of Economic Development and Planning Committee, Nomvuzo Shabalala said, this sector is at the heart of the City’s economy and is the key driver of job creation and growth. Not only does it positively impact in the economy but also plays a vital role in the protection of the environment because it has the potential to reduce carbon emission that causes global warming.

“The Municipality is committed to such programmes to enable us to deal with the triple challenges of high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality. The majority of people who are affected and live below the poverty line are our youth. It is for this reason that the Municipality and Furntech have taken an initiative to support youth who are keen to starting businesses in this sector,” she said. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs and unemployed youth from eThekwini who are between the ages of 18 to 35 and have carpentry skills are invited to attend the session. Participants are required to have a Grade 10 education qualification with Mathematics or Maths Literacy and should be first-time beneficiaries from a similar programme.

The seminar is scheduled as follows:

Venue: Furntech Springfield

Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Time: 09h30 –12h00

For enquiries regarding the programme contact Mpume Ntuli on: 031 311 3451

Friday, April 24, 2015

Arrive in style with UberBLACK and Nic Harry socks


Uber, the innovative app that connects riders with drivers, is bringing warmth and style to Capetonians, Jozi-dwellers and Durbanites in partnership with Nic Harry socks, on Tuesday, 28 April 2015.


Uber is launching an exciting one-day campaign, by hiding colourful and charismatic Nic Harry men’s socks inside a number of UberBLACK vehicles, waiting to be discovered by you.
The socks, designed in Cape Town and made in South Africa from the finest bamboo and cotton, will be placed inside the vehicles on Tuesday morning and stock will be limited. The more you request, the greater your chances are of finding something.

So be sure to take a ride in an UberBLACK on Tuesday!
Don’t yet have the Uber app? Download now from your app provider!
  • Sign up for Uber with the promo code NicHarry here: https://get.uber.com/go/NicHarry
  • Uber will also include a FREE first ride up to R150 for you to enjoy over the long weekend!
If you find a pair of Nic Harry socks, share your photos with Uber on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #UberStyle!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

VANSA/Africalia internship programme at artSPACE durban | ACT Scholarship Programme


7-month paid internship starting 1 June 2015

This internship programme is a hands-on skills development program, offering experiential learning, practical engagement in real-time art projects, with increasing levels of responsibility within the organisation as the internship progresses. Self-motivation, good communication and interpersonal skills are essential to engage and interact within inter-disciplinary practices.
Day-to-day running of the organisation:
  • General gallery administration;
  • tracking project deadlines;
  • communications with various stakeholders 
  • management and development of the Gallery 
  • attendance of exhibition openings and events are also required.
Planning, coordination and managing events:
  • Coordination of Workshops, art exhibitions, events programme;
  • Database updates;
  • Archiving of completed projects
Necessary skills:
  • Degree / Diploma in Fine Arts;
  • organisation & planning skills;
  • basic computer skills
  • Photoshop skills would be advantageous;
  • Good communication skills; basic administration
Duration for 2015: Starting June 1 to December 31
The intern will work at artSPACE durban during the course of each week to receive training in all aspects of the gallery business and will be expected to take part and participate in all aspects of our organization.
artSPACE durban is a more traditional gallery and the experience gained through the work will focus on administrative and curatorial aspects of the organization. The intern will also focus on event management.
Towards the end of the internship the intern will be given the task and opportunity to be responsible for an exhibition at artSPACE durban.
artSPACE durban has been working with and supporting young artists as well as established artists for over eleven years.
Remuneration: R4,000.00 basis 20 hours per week.
All applications to be sent by e-mail, post or by hand by 15 May 2015. Interviews: 18 – 22 May.

Contact
artSPACE durban
3 Millar Road
(off Umgeni Road)
Durban, South Africa
Postal Address: PO Box 50068, Musgrave Road, Durban 4062
031 312 0793
info@artspace-durban.com
www.artspace-durban.com
www.artworksartspace.blogspot.com/

This internship is made possible by VANSA and Africalia 

Theatre





ACT Scholarships Programme goes National


The dream of winning a Performing Arts Scholarship from the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) can become a reality for three young performers in 2015.
In partnership with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and the Nedbank Arts Affinity - ACT, South Africa’s premier independent arts funding and development agency, presents the 7th Annual ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Programme.
This premium arts tuition competition is open to Grade 12 learners and individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 who are not considered professionals and wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the performing arts. 
These individuals are encouraged to register for participation in the regional round of nationwide auditions. To afford this opportunity to as many aspirants as possible, auditions will be held in the following regions:

30 June and 1 July: Durban (KwaZulu-Natal)
3 and 4 July: Cape Town (Western Cape)
6, 7 and 8 July: Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
15 July: Pretoria (Gauteng)
16 and 17 July: Johannesburg (Gauteng)
23 July: Kimberley (Northern Cape)
25 July: Bloemfontein (Free State)
28 July: Potchefstroom (North West)
30 July: Witbank (Mpumalanga)
01 August: Polokwane (Limpopo)

"We are thrilled by the growing interest and participation of extremely talented aspiring performing artists over the past few years and we are delighted that for the first time since the programme's inception in 2009, ACT will be hosting auditions nationally,” said Pieter Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer at ACT.

Participants will be put through their paces, showcasing their talents in acting, singing and dancing with an exceptional talent in at least one of these disciplines. In addition to preparing the prescribed performances, contestants will also have the opportunity to perform a monologue of their own choice.
In previous years the finals have been judged by industry greats and experts such as; Gregory Maqoma, Kim Cloete, Nthati Moshesh, Bryan Schimmel, Anton Luitingh, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Jennis Williamson. This year’s national search will be judged by ACT’s Pieter Jacobs and Deidré Schoeman.

“Once again, DALRO is incredibly proud to be associated with this prestigious programme. Our Performing Arts industries are dependent on those who operate within them, to grow and stimulate them. We urge anyone who is capable of acting, dancing and singing to register for this year's ACT | DALRO | NEDBANK Performing Arts Scholarships programme,” said André Cloete, Supervisor for Theatrical Rights at DALRO.
To date, since its inception six years ago, the ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Programme has awarded 12 scholarships to the total value of R1,260, 000.00 This year, another three scholarships (R150 000, R105 000 and R60 000) totalling the value of R315 000 will be awarded to the top three performers.

“Our continued commitment to the arts and cultural heritage of our country stems from Nedbank’s aspirations of leading transformation and enabling a community of leaders who are as highly involved in the communities we serve. We believe that our on-going funding of the scholarships programme will contribute towards the creation of a more cohesive and thriving society. A society committed to making things that really matter happen,” said Nkosinathi Msiza, Senior Manager for Brand Communications at Nedbank.

Finalists must be available for the final round from 6 to 12 October in Johannesburg where winners will be announced and awarded the scholarships at the finale. The recipients will be at liberty to select their preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution.
2014 winners, Katlego Nche (R150,000) and Usisipho Nteyi (R105,000) are both registered for a National Diploma in Musical Theatre at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Mbasa Soga (R60,000) is registered at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for a B. Mus in Dance.

Registrations for the Scholarships Programme are open until 31 May 2015.

For more information on previous winners, finalists, guidelines and registration, visit www.act.org.za; email scholarships@act.org.za  or contact the ACT office on 011 712 8403.


This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Free Business Workshop For Musicians on the North Coast of KZN


Music Business is Key:  “Music Talks” at Awesome Africa International Arts Festival

The Awesome Africa International Arts Festival in partnership with Onexus Music Business Solutions presents a business workshop on Freedom Day, Monday 27 April at Sibusisiwe Hall in Mandeni. The aim of the workshop is to impart knowledge and boost growth in the local music sector of the iLembe region on the north coast.

Awesome Africa and Onexus are inviting musicians, music managers, music producers and other interested parties who want to know more about the business side of music to attend their “Music Talks” sessions.

Topics that will be covered in the sessions include introduction into the music industry, performing platforms and funding opportunities, contracts and copyrights, studio etiquette and the value of sound, the digital freeway and international marketing and identity. 

A wide range of speakers will take part on the “Music Talks” couch to deliver a lowdown of all they have learnt in their prolific musical endeavours. Speakers include the legendary Ray Phiri who is the founder of the renowned award winning group called Stimela. Marlyn Ntsele from iSupport Music Business who has worked across various roles in the music industry which include project management, artist production as well as events organising. Awesome Africa director Dan Chiorboli who has been in the music industry for over 25 years will chair a session. The panellists consist of individuals that are experts in their fields with hands on experience: Dale Wardell is the owner of a successful recording studio, Sihle Mthembu is a successful journalist on East Coast Radio and Thulile Zama is the founder and vocalist of popular group Heels over Head.

The workshop is free of charge. 
Registration starts at 9am and the first session will commence at 10am. 

For more information contact Gabi on 081 419 9409.

This business workshop is part of the Awesome Africa International Arts Festival presented by Awesome Festivals in partnership with the KZN Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, that features a host of world-renowned performers over two days in different venues, kicking off with a Gala Concert at The Playhouse on Sunday, April 26 and followed by a full day at the Sibusisiwe Community Hall and Lovelife Centre in Mandeni, iLembe District on the North Coast on Monday, April 27.

For more info on the festival go to www.awesomefestivals.com.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Creative Business Exchange Workshop for Decorex Cape Town


Creative Business Exchange Workshop For Cape Town

www.decorex.co.za

Calling all Cape Town creatives! The second instalment of the Creative Business Exchange workshops, dedicated to building a successful creative design brand, is coming to the Mother City on 24th April alongside Decorex Cape Town. This innovative half-day forum, aimed at individuals and small businesses in the interior design, décor, architecture, product and craft sectors, is set to stimulate creative thinking.

This activity carries 2 x IID CPD credits / 0.6 SACAP CPD credits for members of the national Interior Design and Architecture associations.

Nadia van der Mescht

Join Nadia van der Mescht, Heather Moore and Haldane Martin for this workshop presented by Caesarstone.

Attendees will gain insight into these key areas:
  • Planning your business
  • Branding
  • Building your online presence and
  • Approaching the media
Book your tickets now:

Friday 24th April
9am - 1pm
R600 per person 

Tickets include refreshments and complimentary trade access to Decorex Cape Town.

Decorex Cape Town happens 24 - 27 April 2015
Time: 10am - 7pm daily (6pm on Sunday)

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre

For more info visit www.decorex.co.za 
Facebook: Decorex SA
Twitter: @decorexSA 


Sunday, April 5, 2015

Auditions KZN



Audition Notice for KZN high school learners

This year the PANSA Young Performers project funded by the KZN Dept of Arts & Culture and Rainbow is presenting a new homegrown work created by Themi Venturas and Iain “Ewok” Robinson entitled
SOLDIERS IN THE CITY
[Working Title]
which engages with the new ‘urban culture’ that is emerging in South Africa’s towns and cities.  A new youth culture that includes slam poetry, urban dance, music and public artworks like graffiti much like the STEP UP movies that have been on the film circuit in recent years. The production team for 2015 includes Themi Venturas (Director), Daisy Spencer (Co-director & Choreographer), Des Govender (Vocal Coach),  and Dawn Selby (Musical Director)

This year the production will take place in Durban at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and in Pietermaritzburg at the Hexagon Theatre.  An addition to this year’s YPP will be a theatre camp while the YPP team are in PMB. All successful candidates will need to be available every weekend from 8 May – 28 June for rehearsals and from 29 June - 19 July for the performances. PANSA will be holding auditions on the 18 April at Glenwood High School from 9am – 5 pm for the Durban candidates and at the Hexagon Theatre for all the PMB and midlands candidates on the 19th April from 9am – 5pm.  

All candidates looking to be part of the YPP 2015 will have to make themselves available for the auditions for the whole day indicated above. We seek the top 25 – 30 performers who can sing, dance and act in KZN. Only High School learners will be allowed to audition. Candidates are advised to bring comfortable clothing and shoes and provide their own lunch / refreshments on the day of the auditions.
For the first time places will be reserved for candidates from PMB and the midlands with the rest coming from the Ethekwini region.

All enquiries should be directed to PANSA KwaZulu Natal Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela at 031-2014750 or by email at kzn@pansa.org.za.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Celebrate an UberEaster by joining the hunt for UberEggs and R1,000 of Uber Credits


Uber, the innovative app that connects riders with drivers, is bringing the magic of an Easter egg hunt to Capetonians, on Sunday 5 April 2015.


Uber is launching an exciting one-day campaign, by hiding some delectable chocolate eggs inside a number of UberBLACK vehicles, waiting to be discovered by you.
It doesn’t end there. Two lucky riders might also discover a Golden Ticket inside their ride, offering the lucky finder R1,000 in Uber credits! The more you request, the greater your chances are of finding something. So be sure to take a ride in an UberBLACK this Sunday (05 April 2015)!
What a perfect way to celebrate the Easter holidays by joining the Easter egg hunt whilst being driven in style.
Don’t yet have the Uber app? Download now from your app provider!
  • Sign up with the code EasterHunt15 here: https://uber.com/go/EasterHunt15.
  • Uber will also include a FREE first ride up to R150 for you to enjoy over the long weekend!
If you find an UberEgg, share your photos with us on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #UberEASTER!
Here’s to spreading much #UberLOVE this weekend!