Bursaries for Directors, Auditions, Photography and more in this issue

                                                                 Photo of the day

                                                     Photography by @fredfelton

Emerging Theatre Directors bursary applications

The Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA), Theatre Arts

Admin Collective and the Baxter Theatre Centre are calling for applications.

The 2012 Emerging Theatre Director's Bursary offers an emerging theatre

director a mentor, a small budget, a month's rehearsal space and a week of

performance at the Theatre Arts Admin Collective. It is recommended that

directors work with already existing scripts as the month-long period has

proved insufficient for devised work.

Previous winners of this bursary include Amy Jephta, Tara Louise Notcutt,

Asanda Phewa, Leopold Senekal, Pusetso Thibedi, Kim Kerfoot and Tsepo

wa-Mamatu.

"The Emerging Theatre Director's Bursary is the only opportunity of its kind

in South Africa, and for a young/emerging director that makes it

exceptionally valuable," said Kim Kerfoot, one of the 2011 winners. "It is a

wonderful environment in which to find yourself, full of people that want

you and your work to succeed, and are willing to do everything within their

power to make that happen," he added.

"For me this was a way in, a chance to let the South African theatre

industry know that, even though you may not know who we are, we are out

there working, creating magical stories for the people that are willing to

lend their ears and eyes, even if it is just for a single moment of escape,"

said Pusetso Thibedi, another 2011 winner.

The 2012 bursaries will run over two periods:

Bursary 1 11th April to 19th May

Bursary 2 20th June - 27th July

The Bursary is specifically designed for emerging theatre directors who have

had some experience in directing and whose passion is to have a career as a

theatre director.

The Emerging Theatre Director's Bursary is part of the GIPCA Directors and

Directing programme and requires both awardees to participate in the 3-day

colloquium that takes place towards the end of July.

GIPCA is running a host of colloquiums throughout 2012 that cover a range of

themes: race, identity, representation, culture, dance and climate-change.

If your proposal fits into one of these themes, please indicate. It must be

noted that this will not give your proposal preference.

If you are an emerging director and would like to grab this opportunity

please submit: a 1-page creative proposal; your CV including 2 references

with contact details and indication of your preferred date to

artsadmin@mweb.co.za by Friday 17 February 2012. The Bursary will be

announced on Friday 2 March 2012.

About the Theatre Arts Admin Collective: The aim of the Theatre Arts Admin

Collective (in partnership with the Gordon Institute for the Performing and

Creative Arts and the Baxter Theatre Centre) is to provide opportunity and

affordable access to resources and training for theatre practitioners and

arts administrators by:

- Providing affordable and accessible space to both create and perform new

work.

- Supporting directors and playwrights in the development of skills and the

creation of new South African work.

- Contributing to the development of a stronger and more skilled theatre

community through dialogue, mentorship and programmes of activity.

- Facilitating the hand-over of experience, skill and knowledge from the

older generation of theatre makers to the young and merging generation of

theatre makers.

About GIPCA: The University of Cape Town's Gordon Institute for Performing

and Creative Arts (GIPCA) facilitates new collaborative and

interdisciplinary creative research projects in the disciplines of Music,

Dance, Fine Art, Drama, Creative Writing, Film and Media Studies.

Interdisciplinarity is a key theme of the institute and projects are imbued

with innovation, collaboration and dialogue with urbanism and community.

GIPCA was launched in December 2008 with a substantial grant from Sir Donald

Gordon, founder of Liberty Life. An Advisory Board comprising Heads of

Departments of all Performing and Creative Arts Departments at UCT helps to

shape contexts for the instigation and development of projects by students

and staff, as well as a wide range of institutions and individuals outside

the university. For more information on the 2011 GIPCA programme, visit

www.gipca.uct.ac.za, or phone 021 480 7156.

GIPCA Director: Associate Professor Jay Pather

GIPCA Project Manager: Adrienne van Eeden-Wharton

Chair of the GIPCA Board: Professor Paula Ensor

About the Baxter Theatre Centre: The Baxter Theatre Centre provides an

exciting forum for the celebration of life which is the essence of live

theatre, music and dance. It is one of the major live theatre venues in Cape

Town and has always been at the forefront of the performing arts both as a

popular venue and as a leading producer. See www.baxter.co.za for current

and future productions and initiatives.

Off The Wall Plays – the online play publishers and distributors
Off the Wall Plays, serves two functions: to sell plays and accept plays from aspiring writers, who otherwise, would struggle to get their plays published. The company aims to publish as many good quality plays submitted by ordinary folks. The plays are published on the website. The plays are copyrighted by Off The Wall Plays, and the authors receive royalties every time their play is bought.
Contact Claire Demmer admin@offthewallplays.com;
Address: 273 Cromwell Road, Lombardy East, South Africa, 2090
Phone: 011 443 6690
Cell/Mobile: 073 205 5708

Presenter Competition: 5 February 2012 (National)
The Jo-Ann Strauss Presenter Search is an amazing opportunity for those who want to test their presenting skills and possibly enter an exciting world in the media industry.  Jo-Ann is constantly asked how to get into the media industry and has developed this platform to give talented soon-to-be presenters a chance to experience a fantastic introduction to their dream career! to enter submit a youtube video clip on www.presentersearch.com
Closing date: 5 February 2012
4 finalists selected: 15 February 2012
Winner Announced: 5 May 2012

National Arts Council Call for applications for funding 2012: 2 March 2012
The National Arts Council invites individuals and registered organisations active in theatre, dance, crafts, literature, music, multi-discipline and visual arts to submit their applications for project funding. Applications are invited for projects that will impact on the arts in the society/ communities.

Post- graduate students wishing to pursue international arts studies are also invited to apply. Please note that the NAC will have only ONE funding session for project funding in 2012.
Closing date: 02 March 2012
Outcomes date: 03 June 2012
Visit the Arts Council web site www.nac.org.za for the application form,

Volunteer Position: Cape Town TV
Cape Town Television is in the process of recruiting its crew members for this year’s in-productions. All of the in-house productions will either be filmed in the morning between 7:00 – 8:30 and the evenings from 17:30 – 22:00.  Contact person Michelle Nienhuis, Cape Town TV, 021 448 0448

Great Workshop Coming Up For #Durban with Chantaul Jordan

Speechmaster Programme

How to make Powerful Presentations with an Authentic Confidence

Advance your skills and develop a relaxed confident style.

“SPEECHMASTER” Presentation Skills

3 and 10 February 2012

15 The Boulevard, Suit 10 (1^st Floor), Westway Park, Westville

This workshop is full of practical tips and techniques that can have

YOU make dynamic presentations that will enthral and win audiences.

 Learn how to:

Prepare and construct a speech quickly and easily

Master the art of body language and vocal variety

Eliminate distracting mannerisms

Spice up your visual aids and utilise them more effectively

Build better rapport and manage difficult audiences with ease

Project a positive and credible professional image

Develop a more relaxed, enthusiastic and persuasive communication style.

Participant presentations are videotaped with individual feedback and coaching provided to each candidate with a personalised DVD as well as a training manual. The fee is R 3 800,00 per delegate which also includes refreshments and lunch.  

Your new-found knowledge and skills are guaranteed to boost your confidence as a presenter!

RSVP Chantaul of Expressions on 083 264 5036 or e-mail chantaul@expressions.co.za

Your facilitator is Chantaul Jordan, the Director of Expressions, is in the business of training and development, and motivational speaking. She has been coaching and inspiring business people at all levels for 20 years. The training process Chantaul adopts encourages an enthusiasm towards self-development in a positive, uplifting environment that enhances self-esteem and confidence.

For more details see www.expressions.co.za

“Dynamic expression of the power within us provides the cutting edge in business”

In this issue - Director and Producer needed for a production and a writing competition

Greetings dear readers.

Pansa Kzn is looking for a proposal for a Director and new Production.

 Call for proposals for Director and Production

For the RAINBOW Young performers project 2012

PANSA (KZN) is calling for proposals for Director and Production of the 2012 RAINBOW Young Performers Project. We are calling for production ideas and a director. The selection of both production and director will be made based on the following criteria (Please read them carefully as failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification):

PRODUCTION:

1. It should be a production suitable to be played by a predominantly high school cast. This means that there should be enough good roles for young people to be able to extend themselves both musically and dramatically.
2. The rights for the production should be available
3. The production should have some commercial potential
4. The production should have some theatrical value in the context of theatre in SA
5. The production should be able to be produced to the highest possible standard within a very tight budget.

DIRECTOR:

1.      The Director should have a proven professional track record at the highest level

2.      The Director should have proven experience in working with young people at the highest level

3.      The Director should be fully available for the rehearsal period which will last for at least 3 months over consecutive weekends, and a few weeks in the holidays.

4.      The Director should have a proven track record in Production management, including managing the Set Design, Costume design, Lighting design and Musical Direction.

5.      The Director should be cognizant that the fees for directing are in keeping with a charity event, which in the case of this project is approximately a third of the going rate for musical theatre

A one page proposal, motivation and CV should be sent to Kovilen Moodley, PANSA (KZN) co-ordinator by email kovilen@pansa.org.za  by close of business on Tues 31 Jan, 2012.

Writing Competition

THE SA WRITERS' COLLEGE 2012 Annual Short Story Award


                          For Emerging Writers in South Africa

This annual short story competition is aimed at emerging creative writers in South Africa
Theme:  Roll of the Dice.
Length: Under 2000 words
Deadline: Midnight, 31st March 2012
To encourage beginner writers, we will accept stories from those who have been published fewer than four times in any genre, in print or Internet.
Entry is free, by email only.
•                First Prize: R 5 000.00 plus entry into one of our short courses
•                Second Prize: R2 000.00
•                People's Choice Award R 1 000.00
The top two entries will be published on our college site and the top five winners will receive individual editorial comments on their submitted works.

We will also run a public vote on our college website called the 'People's Choice Award' for the top five entries. This result will be announced by 31 May.

Send your stories ( preferably as attachments)
to   Nichola@sawriterscollege.co.za

For further details visit the College website : sawriterscollege.co.za
Any enquiries, email Ginny Swart at ginny@ginnyswart.com

Photography and Film News in this issue

                                                                    Photo Of The Week

                                                               Photography: @fredfelton


The 33^rd  edition of DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL will take place from 19 to 29 July 2012.

Supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other valued funders and partners, the festival will present over 200 screenings of films from around the world, with a special focus on films from South African and Africa. Screenings will take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent. The festival will also offer an extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers.  2012 will also see the return of Talent Campus Durban and the Durban FilmMart.

The festival calls for entries from around the world. Feature films, short films and documentaries are all welcome. The festival does have a competition component.

The deadline for entries is 16 March 2012 for short films and documentaries; 6 April 2012 for feature films. Early submissions are encouraged.

All submissions must be done via the Eventival online system - please create an account to submit.

 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT FILMS! 
( or copy and paste this into your browser: http://vp.eventival.eu/cca/diff2012 )

For more information visit: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or email diff@ukzn.ac.za

Media Enquiries
Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates: The Communication Works
+2731 8115628
+2783 3263235sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Skype: sharlene.versfeld

20 Questions with DJ @GabrielSithole from @ecr9495

Welcome Dear Readers

This week I have a surprise for you.

We have a interview with East Coast Radio DJ Gabriel Sithole.  We met for a coffee
and chatted about this and that and you can't help but like this man.
Look out for this DJ he is going places.

@GabrielSithole

Here are 20 Questions I asked him.  Let's hear what he has to say shall we.

1.  Where were you born?


I was born in Durban in the 80's, McCord Hospital here in Durban.

2.  When can people hear you on East Coast Radio?


Every weekday morning from 2am - 5 am.

3.  How do you use social media as a DJ?


It's the only way I can keep in touch with friends and ECR listeners off air.  I'm signed up
for almost every single social site you can imagine, except for dating sites.  I like to share
what I'm up to, my thoughts and opinions etc.  It's the best way for anyone to find out a
little more about me and get to know me better.

4.  Where have you worked?


Man! What a question! I have worked everywhere! I've had about 10 different jobs in the
last 12 years, since matriculating.  However the ones that have made a mark in my life and
shaped me are:

2001 - 2006 Commuter FM in Jhb where it all started for me, radio wise
2007 - 2008 Radio Heldeberg in Cape Town, Youth Programme Jock and Chart Show Jock
2008 - 2009 Gagasi 99.5 FM, Sports Presenter and Swing Jock here in Durban
2009 - 2010 Supersport journalist for channel 200, Supersport Blitz in Johannesburg
2010 - 2010 KFM in Cape Town, Weekday mornings 1am - 5am & Sundays 2pm - 6pm
2011 - Current,   East Coast Radio

5. Favourite Restaurant ?


Have to be Cuba in Gateway, it's a perfect spot to hang out with friends

6.  Best place to hang out in Umhlanga ?


I'll stick with Cuba!

7.  Advice for aspirant DJ's ?


Passion comes first, all else follows.  It may sound like an easy to do job, but it's one of the toughest
on the planet.  It's not for the sensitive souls, it can get personal as you are in the limelight and you must be
able to take criticism, good and bad.  Keep your feet on the ground you are never bigger than the station you work for or your listeners.  The very listeners are the ones that invite you to their private space,
by tuning in to your show ALWAYS treat them with the greatest respect.... ALWAYS!   As the saying
goes it takes respect to get respect.  I have a different view to this, ALWAYS offer all the time, with
no guarantee or expectations of getting it back.  It will prolong your career.

8.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Definitely a DJ but I also want to be established business wise and hopefully a family man.

9.  What else do you do beside DJ work?


I'm a voice over artist so I do voice work for radio and television adverts.  I'm also an
MC for events and weddings and I'm currently getting back into dee-jaying (spinning the
decks)

10.  What do you do to unwind? 


I'm a professional couch-potato.  Give me a DSTV remote control and I'm set for life.
Cartoon Network relaxes me, it's a bag of laughs ALL THE TIME! Lately, the
addition of Comedy Central does wonders to unwind a tense soul.

11.  Best advice that was ever given to you?


My mom once said to me:  'Hard work has never killed anyone, as long as you can
draw a breath of free air, you can work.'   She still puts in an 8 hour day at 69 years old.
I live by that creed too.

12.  How did you get your start on air?


Chance and divine intervention.  I was discovered and steered in the right direction.
While at my first good job as an adult straight after completing matric.  I worked to raise funds
to go to varsity.  So I worked at Health & Racquet (now Virgin Active.)  One of the gym members
happened to work at a radio station and she insisted that I come to her studios and do a voice demo.
She wouldn't take no for an answer.  For some strange reason with pruning and chiseling here
and there.... she thought I had a great voice for radio....  so she said.  She kept stalking me
for weeks... I eventually gave in and went through.  A week later, I had a small role
co-hosting with one of SA's top radio DJs Reggie Philander.  Like they say the rest is
history.  I walked away from Sir Richard Branson's dream empire and pursued my
own... and here I am!

13.  How does one become a DJ ? 


I always advise anyone to do some sort of studying, whether Radio, Media, Journalism etc.
However just before you enroll it's pivotal to visit a radio station and spend some time
with the jocks and see what goes on in the studio.  Not everyone who wants to be a DJ
will end up behind the microphone.  We all have great voices yes however that is not a
guarantee that you will become a DJ.  Ask yourself, can you talk to yourself in the studio
alone, while at the same time unbeknownst to you..... 2 million people are listening?
If your answer is yes, then your mind is correctly tuned to explore a career in the radio
industry.  Secondly, do a voice demo for yourself and listen to it!  This is not costly at all
these days.  We all have cell phones that can record voice notes.  Record yourself
a few times as if you were on radio and listen to it.  If you are confident with your recording
then get a few strangers to listen to it and ask for feedback.  Don't ask family members
and friends to listen to the demo, they'll be loyal to you even if it's bad.  If it's still
going well then research good institutions where you can now study towards
becoming a DJ.  Once you have your qualification then the hard work begins, of finding
a right station that suits you, to start working.

14.  How do you market yourself ?


Social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Foursquare are my main sites.
I'm also currently busy putting together my personal website.

15.  What's the craziest thing that has ever happened to you live on air ?


One fateful Saturday, a few years ago, while I was still a sports presenter, with less than
10 seconds to go live on air, my entire 3 minute bulletin disappeared off my computer
screen.  In fact the computer monitor switched off and I did not print a back up.  I knew
my opening line.... which was a standard greeting, which was only 6 seconds long the other
2min 54s was literally a miracle.  Luckily I always used to rehearse the bulletin at least
4 times before going to the studio and presenting it.  That fateful day, it came
very handy as I knew the stories off the top of my head, so I just presented facts
and filled up with my own opinions in between.  The way a sports bulletin should be... at least
in my own opinion.  So I spoke for 3min 30 seconds.  The jock during that show was the one
and only legendary Bob Mabena and he had no idea what happened to my computer screen.
I only notified him 20 minutes after the bulletin and he was taken back at the level of composure
and comfort of going through a bulletin, literally, blind.  That mishap made me
pursue television work with Supersport.  However, I do not wish it upon anybody to have
that happen to them, it is nerve wrecking.

16.  Who is your role model ? 


My mom.  She has admirable levels of patience and tolerance.  I don't recall her once
losing her cool with me and I must say, I was not the most innocent child.

17.  How do you keep in shape ?


Well! A circle is also a shape!  I have not done a proper workout in 5 years.
However since 2012  is a Olympic year, I may be inspired to do something.  Loving the
outdoors, I think I'll take up mountain biking and it could be a great double whammy
since I intend to take up outdoor photography again.

18.  Which do you prefer Beach or Forest ?


Eish! That's a difficult one.... I'll have to say beach.

19.  Favourite sweet treat?


Bar One ...  still looking for that 25 hour day

20.  How can people find you on Twitter and Facebook ?

                                                                     @GabrielSithole

                    
                                                                 Gabriel Sithole Radio DJ


You can also find him on Linkedin, FourSquare and MySpace.

To book him for MC gigs or Voice Over work email him on gabriel@ecr.co.za



@GabrielSithole was interviewed by @fredfelton for @UmhlangaLife Magazine.

New Years Edition - Calling all Directors and Producers #Durban

Call for proposals for Director and Production for 
the Rainbow Young performers project 2012


PANSA (KZN) is calling for proposals for Director
and Production of the 2012 Rainbow Young Performers
Project.   We are calling for ideas and a director.
The selection of the production and director will be based
on the following criteria (please read them carefully as failure
to comply will result in immediate disqualification) 

Production


It should be a production suitable to be played by a predominantly
high school cast.


This means that there should be enough good roles for
young people to be able to extend themselves both
musically and dramatically.


The rights for the production should be available

1. The production should have some commercial potential
2. The production should have some theatrical value in the context of theatre in SA
3. The production should be able to be produced to the highest possible standard within a very tight budget.

DIRECTOR:

1.      The Director should have a proven professional track record at the highest level

2.      The Director should have proven experience in working with young people at the highest level

3.      The Director should be fully available for the rehearsal period which will last for at least 3 months over consecutive weekends, and a few weeks in the holidays.

4.      The Director should have a proven track record in Production management, including managing the Set Design, Costume design, Lighting design and Musical Direction.

5.      The Director should be cognizant that the fees for directing are in keeping with a charity event, which in the case of this project is approximately a third of the going rate for musical theatre

A one page proposal, motivation and CV should be sent to Kovilen Moodley, PANSA (KZN) co-ordinator by email kovilen@pansa.org.za  by close of business on Tues 31 Jan, 2012.

Good luck to all who apply.