THE Nelson Mandela Bay flag was hoisted high at the National Performing Arts Competition hosted at the PE Opera House last month when several locals were recognised for their talents.
The Walmer-based Creative Arts and Music Academy (CAMA) received the title for best voice and acting school after their students were awarded overall category titles, bursaries and were chosen in the top 50 to represent Team South Africa in the US at the competition’s final round.
The judging criteria scored each performance for a gold, silver or bronze, and with a total of over 900 competition entries, CAMA entered 31 students who were awarded a total of 79 gold, 50 silver and 12 bronze medals for entries in vocals, instrumentals, acting, dance and modelling.
Established in 2010, CAMA offers part-time and full-time training in music and the performing arts for all ages, including internationally accredited certificates and course diplomas affiliated with London Trinity College.
“CAMA has grown from humble beginnings into a large artist hub offering local musicians and actors opportunities to train and perform as multi-skilled, industry-ready performers, exposed to local and national competitions and audition opportunities,” said Darné Claassen, trainer and CAMA partner.
CAMA represents six junior and four senior students awarded top 10 acting category medals; three junior and three senior students awarded top 10 vocal category medals; overall junior acting category winner Emma van Wyk; overall senior acting category winner Banele Joe; duet acting category winners Lieschen Loest and Nicolaus, and eisteddfod acting category winner Jorja Nitszchke.
Their drama students were awarded three out of four South African Film Acting and Theatre Academy study bursaries to further their performing arts careers in film, acting and musical theatre in Johannesburg. Van Wyk received a R12 000 bursary, Joe a R34 000 full-time study bursary and Kalene Botha a R55 000 full scholarship.
Out of three competing provinces and 900 entries, Joe (18), a Newton Technical High School matric boy, was also awarded the grand champion title and the sponsored trip to New York to compete on an international stage in front of scouts at the 46th annual Talent America Competition. He will be competing in vocals, acting, modelling and dance.
He was crowned runner-up for Mr Talent Africa 2019.
In preparation for the US, he trains three afternoons a week at CAMA.
“We want to congratulate all the contestants and competing provincial for sharing their wonderful talents with the local arts community,” Claassen said.
