ON a normal day, she suffers from anxiety and depression, but the moment she is on screen or on stage, she loses herself in a world where she is someone else, someone who tells a story that might bring a smile to the faces of her audience.
Soon, 26-year-old Heather Roach, a third-year education student at Nelson Mandela University, will have the opportunity to wow an international audience when she participates in front of the International Modelling and Talent Association in New York next year.
Roach, who specialises in drama, will be joined by three young women, Lee-Shé Adams (27), Monique Petersen (28) and 14-year-old teenager, Lundi Fortuin.
Adams is also a third-year education student at NMU, is a dancer and singer, postgraduate student and engineering administrator. Petersen focuses on acting, singing and modelling. For the Grade 8 Linkside High learner, Fortuin, modelling, runway, photography and athletics are great passions.
The four of them, who grew up in Schauderville, Hillside and Bloemendal respectively, and are part of the Dare to Dream Campaign, were given this once-in-lifetime opportunity after attending an audition by 33 and Me Talent Agency, in Nelson Mandela Bay.
They received callbacks to perform at the International Arts and Talent Showcase in Johannesburg, where talent scouts from Tyler Perry Studios, X-Factor and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy among others, watched their every move.
It was around midnight that night when they heard that all of them had made it to the next phase where they have to perform in New York in front of more than 300 talent scouts from around the world in June next year.
“Having this platform to showcase our talents was absolutely amazing, not to mention being able to perform in front of other singers and agents, that was something for the books. I am really looking forward to my international journey with these three girls,” Roach said.
Adams said that she was extremely excited about the upcoming trip. “I am so honoured to be a part of this journey with all the South African contestants and the 33 and Me Talent Agency.
“The arts have always been my passion. I love performing and being able to share my gift with others. This opportunity came at such a perfect time. I am looking forward to learning from this experience and growing as an artist to step into my full potential. It would be an honour to represent my city in the United States and to share my journey with the world,” she added.
Fortuin, who has made her parents very proud at such a young age, is just as excited about this journey.
“It means so much to me because I have never had the opportunity to participate in such an event. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.
“There is hidden talent in the northern areas because in Nelson Mandela Bay, there aren’t any opportunities for the youth. If I get the chance, I would like to plough back into the northern areas,” she said.
Petersen believes that this is God’s way of using her name to inspire the youth of the northern areas in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“I am very happy for this privilege and the chance to follow my dreams because this is an opportunity that you don’t get every day. I am beyond excited to use this platform to tell young people what God can do for them if they believe and trust in Him.”
The four are currently busy with fund-raising efforts for the trip to New York and have to raise more than R300 000.
For more information, readers can visit the Dare to Dream Facebook or Instagram pages or their BackaBuddy page.
They can also be contacted by e-mail at: daretodreampe@gmail.com.
