Fabulous prizes await for young participants to Online drama competition
By CityLIfe Arts Writer
Young South African actors who want to hone their talent and compete against their peers nationwide can soon enter the third Dramaweb SA online competition.
This popular online drama competition was launched in 2020 by actors Ira Blanckenberg and Waldemar Schultz during the hard lockdown period to inspire, teach and ultimately honour the youth. More good news is that it is presented this year in collaboration with the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) and will henceforth be known as KKNK Dramaweb SA.
“It is a privilege for us to be involved more closely with the project this year, and an absolute pleasure to follow the progress of the learners, experiencing their growth with them,” says Hugo Theart, Artistic Director of the KKNK.
Theart says that young people have faced many changes in their daily lives over the past two years and have had to learn to adapt and move on. “It is encouraging to see the learners’ commitment and positive attitude towards the Dramaweb SA programme, and to experience their progress and the ultimate joy of their achievements. The participants are truly serious about a future on stage and on screen!”
Blanckenberg says they are in constant awe of the talent this country has to offer. “Our main goal is to expand and develop all aspects of acting, and to create a nurturing environment for growth where all participants can explore the wonder of the stage, each other, and their talents in front of an audience,” she explains.
Categories for entries include prose, poetry, monologues and mimicry, with a new category for choral speaking added this year. Participation takes place online with experts assisting and guiding participants through the process.
The arts bring communities together and cultivating a love for the arts in children, serves the purpose of securing its future. We therefore invite all scholars with a love for the arts to take part in this year’s competition,” Theart concludes.
Entries for KKNK Dramaweb SA opened on Tuesday 15 February 2022. Early entry costs R140 per item and is valid for all entries submitted by 15 March, after which the cost is R170 per item. Participants’ video recordings can be uploaded at www.dramawebsa.co.za until 10 May. Participants can choose to participate in English or Afrikaans, with their own material selection for all items. The final round for Afrikaans items takes place on 18 June, and for English items on 19 June.
For more information, visit Dramaweb SA or the KKNK’s website at www.kknk.co.za, or contact Daventia Kennedy on 044 203 8600 or info@dramawebsa.co.za. Feel free to contact Blanckenberg at ira@dramawebsa.co.za for advice and support.
The KKNK is supported by Absa and Media24, with additional support from the Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds, the Western Cape Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, as well as the Oudtshoorn Municipality, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) and the Jannie Mouton Foundation.