Musho Theatre Festival 2016 - Call For Proposals

MUSHO! FESTIVAL 2016 - get your proposals in now!



PANSA KZN will be hosting the Musho! International Theatre Festival from 13 January to 18 January 2016. 

The festival is dedicated to small works and the celebration of the skill of the solo or duo performer.

Proposals must be formatted as detailed below, and should be submitted to kzn@pansa.org.za before 12.00 (midday) on 2 October, 2015.

All proposals are read by a selection committee of local theatre professionals, and successful applicants will be contacted at the end of October 2015.



Selection criteria for the festival include:



·      The work must have only one or two persons only performing.

·      The work should be an innovative and interesting concept.

·      The work should have potential appeal for local audiences.

·      The work should be able to perform in festival conditions, with quick get-in and strike, and simple technical requirements.

·      The work should be classifiable as theatre (with a discernible narrative) – we do not stage poetry, dance or music – although these elements can be included in the work.

·      The company or individual should have a good track-record and reputation.

·      The work should not have played publicly in Durban in the past 12 months.

·      The work should be 50-70 minutes in length.



Participants are paid for their participation in the festival.  The amount paid per performance will be confirmed at a later date, and is subject to the funding that PANSA receives.

 Contracts will be drawn up between the artists and the festival once selection and confirmation procedures have been concluded, in October 2015.



PROPOSAL APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION AT MUSHO FESTIVAL 2016



Your proposal must contain the following information, with the correctly numbered order.



COMPULSORY INFORMATION

1.  Name of producer / contact person

2.  Contact address, telephone number and email

3.  Name of show

4.  Genre of show (e.g.:  drama, comedy, physical theatre, musical theatre etc)

5.  Appropriate audience and age-group

6.  Any potential age restrictions related to: sex, nudity, violence, strong language.

7.  Exciting description of the show (maximum ½ page) – no scripts please!

8.  Description of technical requirements for the show

9.  Names of performers / directors / writers of the show

10.  Background and experience of the group (maximum ½ page)



OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

10.  Details on where show has been performed previously (if any)

11.  Press reviews from show (if any)

12.  Photographs of the production (maximum of two photos)



PROPOSALS MUST BE EMAILED TO kzn@pansa.org.za BY 2 October, 2015

Murder on Mondays opens soon in Durban

There's a new play opening soon in Durban.

The Cast of Murder on Mondays - Photo Credit: Thousand Words Photography

They say it is best not to mention Macbeth in the the theatre industry so I won't.

Anyway speaking of Macbeth, Murder on Mondays is a dark comedy focusing on a struggling theatre company and their doomed attempts to put on a production of Macbeth.

The story follows eccentric director, Thandeka Dlamini (better known as Cristina Riley to her staff) and her lazy-but-lovable assistant Sarah Murphy on their journey trying to put one of Shakespeare's greatest plays together.  Look out for mishaps, rumours of a curse, a vengeful ghost and if that is not enough someone is slowly killing off the cast one by one. Join the bumbling Inspector Maharaj as he tries to hunt down the Monday Murderer and and uncover the truth behind the Curse of Macbeth.

Cast includes Nqobile Mahlambi, Shannon Newton, Lindo Cele, Jason Pieterson and more.

Murder on Mondays is written by Mikhale Singh and directed by Preven Reddy.

It runs at Seabrooke's Theatre, 277 St Thomas Road, Musgrave - situated within Durban High School.

Dates: 9th - 18th July

Tickets: in selected stores and online from Webtickets

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bluntprod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluntproductions

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

Email: jason@dglff.org.za  | Website: www.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

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 7^th 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 

Travel Grants For Musicians and Training For Arts Organisations

MUSIC

 Call Out Music Mobility Fund 2015

Concerts SA offers travel grants to South African music professionals. Application deadline is Tuesday 7 April 2015.

The Music Mobility Fund is a funding mechanism which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours. Music professionals are invited to apply for funding from a National Mobility Fund (for projects in South Africa), and a Regional Mobility Fund (for projects taking place in other SADC countries).

The Fund is administered by Concerts SA, a joint South African/Norwegian project housed under the auspices of the Stakeholder Hub within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO and Concerts Norway. The project aims to support the growth of the live music sector in South Africa through research, skills development, competence building and, through its work with venues and promoters, develop regular, sustainable performance platforms. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.

Initiated by the British Council’s Connect ZA programme and The SAMRO Foundation, the Music Mobility Fund received 66 applications in 2013 and 118 in 2014, and provided support to 30 projects. Live music tour performances, research-based collaborations and professional creative exchange have taken place in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Recipients included artists Ihhashi Elimhlope, Maqhinga Radebe, The Brother Moves On, Bateleur, and businesses Motif Records and The Word N Sound Company, amongst others. A full recipient list is available at www.concertssa.co.za, and previous recipients of the Music Mobility Fund will not be eligible for consideration in this call for proposals.

Madala Kunene, highly respected KZN-based musician and 2014 Mobility Fund recipient had this to say about his recent tour: “The support of Concerts SA really helped me lately. I was not able to find opportunities at the beginning of this year, especially in January – a difficult month for us artists. Thanks to the Music Mobility Fund, I was able to work at many different venues across the Western Cape and Gauteng. It was easy to travel because the Mobility Fund support covered touring costs. Everywhere I performed people were very happy and very responsive to my music, so I will just add: power to Concerts SA and The SAMRO Foundation!”

Designed to help musicians, music industry professionals and organisations build on already established domestic success and develop connections, markets and audiences for their work, the fund provides support towards travel and transportation; per diems; material costs (hiring of backline and sound equipment), accommodation and visas.

The types of projects that may be financed are tours and concerts (performances; regional, country or provincial tours; participation at festivals and showcases, etc.), collaborative projects (artistic collaborations between musicians based in different provinces of South Africa or SADC countries), and professional development projects and visits (for South African music industry professionals to build networks and knowledge in other provinces and in the SADC region). The duration of the project may not be less than four days nor exceed 6 months.

National Projects
Artists from all provinces are invited to apply for national projects taking place in one or more provinces. The province(s) in which the project is to take place must be different to the one in which the artist is based. Successful applications will not be eligible for additional CSA funding support in the 3 provinces.

Regional Projects
Regional projects must take place in one or more of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Applicants will need to conduct their own research and have identified and communicated with a potential partner or host. The partner may be an individual or organisation and must be an established musician or music professional, and must be based in the SADC country (or countries) where the project will take place.

Application process
Applicants should complete the application form in English, and submit it before Tuesday 7 April 2015 with the following mandatory documents: legal documentation of the applicant (ID/Passport copy for individuals and organisation representatives; company registration documents); track record (press coverage, website links, evidence of recognition awards, public appearances or residencies, CV, biography, etc.); budget of the project (including projected income and expenditure); and a calendar of activities with tour schedule. SADC regional projects should include a letter from the local host confirming their support and involvement.

Enquiries and applications should be submitted by e-mail to concertssa@samro.org.za, by fax to 086 500 7028 or by post to Concerts SA, The SAMRO Foundation, 20 De Korte Street, 4th Floor SAMRO Place, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017.

For more information please visit our website http://concertssa.co.za, follow us on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/ConcertsSA or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConcertsSA

Workshops, Training Opportunities

Applications now open for BASA Basics-KZN

Applications are now open for arts organisations in Kwa Zulu Natal to become part of Business and Arts South Africa’s 2015 BASA Basics programme.

The six-month long programme is part of BASA’s newly developed three-tiered Education Programme. Started in 2014, the initiative is an integral part of BASA’s commitment to developing innovative educational programmes that seek to ensure the relevance and sustainability of the arts in society.

BASA Basics has been specially created for arts organisations and individuals wanting to start a for-profit or non-for-profit organisation.

It will introduce emerging artists to the legal registration options and processes available in terms of establishing an arts organisation. BASA Basics is additionally focused on enabling arts organisations to emerge from the programme with a workable business model that will play an important role in taking their organisation forward.

BASA Basics is built around a series of workshops, each one focused on a particular skill that will equip emerging arts organisations with the necessary tools to get started.

The kick-off BASA Basics workshop will look at understanding legal entities, as well as Governance and Compliance while the second one moves on to establishing the vision, mission, basic operational budgeting, resource evaluation and basic Business Models of the arts organisation. Proposal writing, business communication and partnership or ‘friend-raising’ is the focus of the third BASA Basics workshop.

All successful applicants must attend all workshops within the BASA Basics six-month programme and commit to the full extent of the programme.

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2015.

BASA’s Education Programme is partnered with The National Arts Council, NLDTF, and RMB.

To fill in an application form to be considered for the BASA Basics programme, please visit the BASA website at www.basa.co.za and download the word document. Completed application forms must be e-mailed to onthatile@basa.co.za. For further information contact Onthatile Ditshego, Manager of BASA’s Education and Training Programme at BASA’s offices on 011 447 2295.

Free Film 'Miners Shot Down' at KZNSA, Glenwood, Durban 18 March 7pm.

RSVP at the Gallery to Sumayya.

East Coast Radio Spreads Joy On The North Coast - Jobs and Funding in The Arts

Spreading joy to little ones on the KZN North Coast

(East Coast Radio Breakfast Host Darren Maule helped distribute new toys to children in hospitals on the North Coast.  Image Supplied)

New position for Joburg City Theatres

A new position is available for a Deputy General Manager: Joburg City Theatres Hospitality and Catering.

Joburg City Theatres (JCT) is an entity of the City of Johannesburg that stimulates and operates Joburg Theatre (Braamfontein), Roodepoort Theatre and Soweto Theatre in order provide the integrated management of world class African theatre venues and a high quality entertaining, innovative and inclusive programme which serves the diverse communities of the City of Joburg in support of Joburg 2040.

A new position is therefore now available for a DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER: JOBURG CITY THEATRES HOSPITALITY & CATERING (DGMHC01)

The successful applicant will report directly to the General Manager of Hospitality & Catering for Joburg City Theatres, located at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. This position involves traveling between all 3 theatres.

Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Management of the day to day hospitality operations for all 3 theatres, Joburg, Roodepoort & Soweto Theatre.
- Draft and implement a marketing strategy for the hospitality operations of Joburg City Theatres
- Maintain a high level of service within all 3 theatres
- Management of the hospitality senior management team
- To assist with the implementation of new menus for food & beverage throughout all 3 theatres
- Design and implement all policies & procedures in the hospitality department and to ensure the effective implementation of these policies and procedures
- Compliance with both monthly and annual operating and capital expenditure budgets
- Ensure that cost of sales are maintained in accordance to the budgets
- Ensure that all controllable expenses are in line in accordance to the budgets
- Manage the hospitality warehouse operations, its systems and controls
- Reporting on a regular and standardised basis to the General Manager for Joburg City Theatres
- Setting and maintaining world class operating standards in both the customer and client services of the theatre

Education and experience required:
- A diploma in hospitality management or Culinary arts; a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in a similar position
- A passion for involvement within the hospitality industry
- Exceptional leadership qualities and business proficiency
- High levels of proficiency in written and verbal communications in the English language.
- Experience in point of sales systems i.e. Micros, GAAP, Pilot is essential
- Experience in Pastel is essential

Skills and Attributes:
- Attention to detail is essential
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to perform under stress
- Ability to work without supervision
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate at all levels with tact and diplomacy
- High level of work ethic and integrity
- Willingness to work unsociable hours
- A long-term knowledge of the hospitality and catering industry would be an advantage.

Interested persons are requested to send a cover letter and detailed CV to:
Mr. Thomas Sadiki, Human Resources Practitioner, Joburg City Theatres, electronically at jobapplications@joburgtheatre.com (please quote the reference number)
Direct all telephonic enquiries at: 011 877 6821

Please ensure that applications are accompanied by copies of qualifications as per job requirements.

This is a renewable two-year fixed-term contract, based on performance and operational requirements.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE ON 12 DECEMBER 2014

Note: Joburg City Theatres is an equal opportunity employer. If you do not hear from us within 30 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

The National Arts Council (NAC) opens applications for 2015 arts funding

Individuals and registered arts organisations involved in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, craft, literature and multi-discipline have until 12 December 2014 to submit their applications for project funding. This will be the NAC’s only round of funding for next year across all seven arts fields. Post-graduate students who wish to pursue their arts studies abroad are also encouraged to apply.

Download the application and funding guidelines form here

Theatre Shows 

Thrice Upon A Time - Marc Kay & Sarah Richard

Three kid’s favourite stories – The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks & the Three Bears, & Three Little Pigs. All enacted through delicate shadow puppetry.
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd off Bartle Rd, in association with AUT (Actors Unemployed Company) presents “Thrice Upon A Time!” with Marc Kay and Sarah Richard.

Saturday 6 - Monday 22 December 2014
(Shows daily at 10:00 Monday – Wednesday and Friday to Saturday)
Thursday at 14:00

This December, join the award-winning theatre company, The AUC (Actors Unemployed Company), on a journey through a far off land, as we go back once … twice … Thrice Upon A Time! Join Marc Kay and Sarah Richard in this fantastic new family production as they tell some of our favourite stories, filled with magic, comedy, audience interaction … and shadow puppetry!

“Thrice Upon A Time” tells three kid’s favourite stories – The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Three Little Pigs. All enacted through delicate shadow puppetry work, this performance is sure to be a hit with families of all shapes and sizes over the holiday season.

And once the storytelling is done, join us for a fantastic workshop on shadow puppetry, and learn to make your own stories!
Make sure to bring your little ones along this December for a fun-filled adventure you’ll never forget!

Snacks and juices are on sale.
Tickets are limited so don’t delay. Suitable for ages 4 to 104!
2 hrs of fun and entertainment

R60 a ticket - e-mail Roland roland@stansell.za.net for bookings.
Book at Computicket or phone Ailsa 083 250 2690.
Visit www.rhumbelow.za.net

Breathing life into African stories at Alive Café in 2015

Muizenberg’s Jungle Theatre Company is introducing a new programme of theatre workshops in the New Year for kids aged 8-12, at Alive Café, 11 Atlantic Road, Muizenberg.

The workshops will bring African folktale to life in the ‘now’, through guided improvisation, storytelling, movement, masks, music and dance, Artistic Director Vincent Meyburgh said: “All stories will have indigenous roots and the process will involve a child-centred exploration of environmental issues and local cultures, fostering a heart connection to nature.”

Through engaging the imagination; physical theatre games and exercises; rehearsing and staging a performance, young people will develop soft skills that will help them in all areas of their lives.

Jungle Theatre Company implemented a similar programme at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in 2013 with the story When Lion Could Fly. The script was selected to be part of a collection African Folktales Onstage! to be published by Junkets in the new year.

The workshops begin on 29 January, running for nine consecutive Thursdays 15h30-16h30; the first Saturdays of February and March 10h00-11h00 concluding with a showcase on Saturday 28 March. The programme costs R750 per child. Spaces are limited. The deadline for registration and payment is Monday 26 January. To book contact Miranda on 021 788 5641, or pop by and visit the Jungle Theatre Company office, in Alive Café , 11 Atlantic Road, Muizenberg between 08h30 and 12h30.

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Auditions at The Playhouse

Auditions at The Playhouse

CAMP 2015

The Playhouse Company is holding auditions for performers from community groups who would like to be considered for next year's Community Arts Mentorship Programme (CAMP) which will take place between March and April 2015.

The programme is aimed at actors who have experience in community theatre who wish to develop their skills. Workshops will be held daily from 09h00 to 17h00 and will focus on basic training in a range of drama disciplines, including voice production, acting technique, stage design, script writing and stage management. Please note that daily commitment is required in order to take part.

Auditions will be held in Studio A1 (Playhouse Head Office) at 09h00 on Wednesday 10 December. Those wishing to audition should prepare a poem which they can perform. Please note that you might be required to wait for your audition. For bookings please email:
artscoordinator1@playhousecompany.com no later than 12h00 on Tuesday 9 December 2014.

Source - Pansa

Puppet Making Workshop - Call For Theatre Proposals - Arts Funding - Auditions

Street Theatre Puppet Making Workshop 

Laghu Hari Das, Puppet Master of twenty years experience, offers a Street Theatre Puppet Making Workshop geared to community theatre members with particular reference to those interested in Theatre in Education.  

“We will create giant puppets using recycled material,” says Laghu, who will be assisted by Mayapur Chandra. “The idea is to empower the community theatre members to make giant puppets that can be paraded at festivals, events and carnivals.”

The Street Theatre Puppet Making Workshop, which is funded by ASSITEJ SA’s  Theatre4Youth Programme takes place at Luganda Creche, Luganda Road on Saturday 29^th November from 9.30 to 13.00. Call Mlu Ngidi on 073 3991929 for directions

Registration is at 9.00 am and entrance is free to ASSITEJ and PANSA members. Please wear old clothes and bring your own refreshments. The workshop can take up to 20 participants. 

Please contact Laghu Hari on 079 6333 892 or Theatre4Youth Mentor Gisele on 083 5458546.

Call For Theatre Proposals 

Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival will celebrate the 5^th Almagro Off International Contest next July. Its purpose is to  foster and promote contemporary creation, new languages and innovative proposals related to Baroque theatre and its authors. Deadline for submitting proposals and application forms: 1^st  March 2015

At the same time, we are glad to announce the celebration of the 4^th  International Children’s Baroque Contest, also with the aim of promoting and in favour of the creation and staging of theatre plays about the Baroque, aimed at children, young people and family audiences. Deadline form submitting proposals and application forms: 27^th February 2015.

Selected proposals from both Contest will perform within the 38^th edition of the Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival, to be held next July 2015 (find more information, in our web: www.festivaldealmagro.com)

Auditions - Durban 

Taking place at 12 pm on the Friday 14th November 2014 at the Sherwood Bowling Club off King Cetshwayo Highyway number 860 in Durban, South Africa.

If there is a cue, please wait in your seats and print out and read through the script. When you enter please tell us which character you will be performing as and perform it for about a minute long.

When the audition is done. We will tell you a short list of actors who made it for the callbacks, and the ones who did not.

A chance for more auditions are on Saturday at 9 am-2 pm and the following week, Friday and Saturday, same times as this week.

Contact Dayakar for more info: https://www.facebook.com/dayakar.padayachee

The National Arts Council (NAC) has opened applications for arts funding for 2015.

Individuals and registered arts organisations involved in theatre, dance music, visual arts, craft, literature and multi-discipline have until 12 December 2014 to submit their applications for project funding. This will be the NAC's only round of funding for next year across all seven arts fields.Post-graduate students who wish to pursue their arts studies abroad are also encouraged to apply.

Projects should be of national significance, focusing on the creation of new works and on overall arts development. Those that have a strong community base and have been conceived in collaboration with others working in similar fields are also encouraged to apply.

Says NAC CEO Rosemary Mangope: "At the National Arts Council we are committed to changing the landscape of South Africa's creative industries. Key to this transformation is not only supporting SA's existing centres of arts excellence, but also identifying and fostering emerging talent nationwide - those organisations and individuals that will be our future
standard-bearers for the arts, both nationally and internationally.

"In our on-going efforts to ensure the arts are as inclusive as possible, we are particularly keen to encourage funding applications from arts organisations and individuals that support the involvement of women, youth and those living with disabilities. We also welcome applications from students who are not only interested in studying abroad, but also committed to returning to SA to share the knowledge and experience they have gained with their peers."

Successful applications will be notified on 15 April 2015. This year, the NAC awarded grants totalling over R18 million to applicants drawn from all nine South African provinces, plus an additional R9 million in special project funding to 13 flagship arts organisations.

Application forms and funding guidelines are available from the NAC office

Tel: 011-838-1383  - You can download the forms at www.nac.org.za 

AFDA Open Day - 15 Nov 2014

There will be presentations and fun activities during the day. If you are interested in studying film this is for you. 

The campus is located in Glen Anil at 2a Highdale Road. The programme will begin at 10 until 11am with appointment bookings before from 9am and after until 12noon. Interested parties can contact Milena Gevers to confirm their attendance on milenag@afda.co.za or call 031 569 2252.