Exclusive Interview with the CEO of BASA Michelle Constant

This week I had the pleasure of doing an interview with the CEO
of BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) Michelle Constant.



Michelle Constant - CEO BASA




Ten Questions with Michelle Constant.

1.  Where were you born?

I was born in Marianhill Monastery in KZN.

2.  What does it take to be on radio? 

A lot of energy, preparation and often blind faith.  Twenty years on, I have never done what I would consider the perfect show.  It's like playing golf - you are constantly competing with yourself.

3.  What is BASA? 

Business and Arts South Africa (NPC) is a Not for Profit which leverages the relationship between business and the arts.  We believe in the broader value of the arts in society, and this supports our mandate.

4.  Tell us about a day in the life for you at BASA?

My job is incredibly diverse.  I spend my time working with businesses, arts organisations and government.  I attend an inordinate number of arts events on a weekly basis.  I am involved in meetings, workshops, presentations, proposals, speeches and much more.

5.  What does it take to be a CEO?

Hard work, exercise and an excellent team.

6.  What tips do you have for young people starting out their career now?

Passion, Curiosity, Hard Work are an absolute requirement.

7.  What are you reading now?

I am currently studying at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) part-time, so all my reading is study related - and is focussed on the Social Entrepreneurship space.

8.  Notice you write columns for a few magazines, any tips for writers?

Writing is a bit like running - at some point you hit that infamous brick wall.  You have to force your way through it to the next creative space.  This can take a while, and sometime requires, as Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka suggests, a trip to the pub, in order to 'break on through to the other side'

9.  Which South African Artist impresses you?

The intensity and purity of color in Robert Hodgins' works is wonderful.

10.  How can Business help the Arts?

Through monetary support, pro-bono mentorship and in kind support.  Business can help the arts in as much the same way that the arts can help business - it's an equitable partnership that offers true opportunities of Shared Value


What an interesting young lady dear readers.

You can follow Michelle on Twitter -  https://twitter.com/MichConstant

To find out more about BASA visit their website - www.basa.co.za

Don't forget to enter the BASA Awards supported by Anglo American - Entries close 10 May 2013
http://www.basa.triangularx.com/

Interview by Fred Felton ( @fredfelton )

Castings and Entertainment News around SA

Greetings Dear Readers, if you are a Actor there are loads of opportunities for you around
South Africa.  Here are just some of them along with some entertainment news:


1. West Side Story audition in Durban
The Playhouse Company, Durban, by arrangement with DALRO, announces auditions for the production of West Side Story in Durban during November and December 2013.

Please note the following criteria:
1. The production calls for classically trained dancers, singers and actors.
2. Previous professional experience in musical theatre is essential
3. Ladies need to bring high heel dance shoes and MUST be able to dance in these
4. Proficiency in different accents is an advantage.
5. Please bring a headshot and full length photograph, as well as a resume to your audition.
6. ALL artists to arrive by 8:30am to register and to be available ALL day. The dance audition starts at 9am. Singing and acting auditions to follow from this.

Closing date for audition bookings is midday on Tuesday, 11 December 2012.

Audition information is available on the PANSA website, click here


2. Casting Call
Bubblegum is a TV production company based in Greenpoint, Cape Town, currently recording a new children's storytelling TV series. The show is English language, and aimed at ages 3 to 6.

We are searching for a voice actor to be the narrator for this series - Black, male, ideally with a "cool uncle" voice.
If you are interested, please email Rozie at rozie.gorvalla@bubblegum.co.za before Friday the 14th of December, to set up a voice audition.

3. Call for entrepreneurs
WE’RE INTRODUCING THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP RECOGNITION AWARDS. ENTREPRENEURS, ENTER NOW. LET’S GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE BOOST IT NEEDS TO GO BIG.

The Western Cape Government’s number one priority is to grow the economy. A growing economy means more jobs. And that’s where you come in. We believe innovative, enterprising entrepreneurs like you deserve special recognition for the work you do. So, enter The Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards today.
Visit www.westerncape.gov.za for categories, terms and conditions.

Categories:
Emerging Business
Established Business
Co-operatives
Social Enterprises
Export Business
Best Student Business Idea

Special awards:
Innovation
Green Initiatives

Entries close 20 December 2012.

4. Chief Executive Officer: JOBURG CITY THEATRES
The City of Johannesburg, as part of its Institutional Review, resolved that Joburg Theatre (SOC) Ltd and Roodepoort City Theatre NPC t/a Joburg Promusica be integrated into a single theatre management company to be known as Joburg City Theatres. This new Municipal Entity of the City of Johannesburg will render the functions and services that, until now, have been rendered separately by these two theatres. It will also institutionalise the operation of the newly established Soweto Theatre. Therefore, the Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres will be responsible for the operations of Joburg Theatre (formerly the Johannesburg Civic Theatre), Roodepoort City Theatre and Soweto Theatre.

The Head Office of Joburg City Theatres will be based at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.

Closing date and time: 16:00 on Monday 14 January 2013. Full advert is available on the PANSA website, click here

(Source - Pansa)