STRAND – Another local teenager has been chosen to participate in the online drama competition SpeelToneel.
Lauren Wentzel, a matric learner at Gordon High School, will join other aspiring actors in a mentorship programme with artists from popular KykNet soapies Binnelanders and Suidooster.
After much contemplation about the direction she would be taking post-matric, the 18-year-old had considered studying towards a bachelor’s degree in social work. But Lauren’s plans to send her applications to universities and colleges was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I then came across a link while browsing through Facebook and saw there was a competition,” she recalled. “After gathering much-needed courage, I decided to enter. I was so nervous.”
Lauren recited a poem entitled “Sy is Tevrede”, which she sent through as her virtual entry.
The Strand resident had never anticipated things would take such an unexpected turn, but seeing a friend chosen to join the competition motivated her to enter. It is a move she initially kept from her family, for fear of jinxing her prospective inclusion.
On Wednesday 15 July, Lauren’s leap of faith paid off and she received positive feedback from SpeelToneel. “I really didn’t think that I would be chosen. I recall the emotions when receiving the message that I had also been chosen.”
Although she liked the idea of acting, Lauren had until then not given much thought to being in the entertainment industry herself and working with acclaimed actors.
“I am feeling a lot of emotions, but I am happy and excited to be part of the team,” she said.
Like the other aspiring actors Lauren will be required to submit work on monthly. This comprises guidelines and tips, which she has to interpret and submit. Following that, the group will be included in a theatre film to be shot later.
Lauren cites her “strong” grandmother, Frauwiena Adonis, as her role-model. “My gandmother runs a soup kitchen once a week and I have always helped her, which is what sparked my love and passion for social work.”
