Scouting for local talent
Local actors/actresses in the making who wish to follow in the footsteps of Botswana’s growing number of actors/actresses such as Lerato Motshwarakgole, Connie Ferguson, Kgomotso Ramakoba, Khumo Maakwe, Kgomotso Ratsie and Tlholego Chaba will need more than just talent in order to make it into the cut throat industry of television across the borders.
Those dreaming about seeing themselves appearing on hit television dramas also need to have the right principles for success. This was said by one of the faces of Signed International, Johnson Otlaadisa.
He was speaking ahead of the first auditions that are slated to take place this Friday and Saturday at the Public Library in Jwaneng. The second leg of auditions will take the scouting team to Lobatse at the Lobatse Sports Complex on June 2nd and 3rd. Other auditions are slated to take place on June 10th and 11th at the Francistown Sports Complex, Life Centre in Maun on June 17th and 18th, The Grand Palm Hotel on June 24th and 25th, and lastly Tautona Lodge in Ghanzi on June 30th and July 1st. Auditions are open to anyone over the age of 18 years, and there is no audition fee.
The winner of Signed International Season 2 will walk with P100 000.00 cash prize, and a contract with South Africa’s Talent ETC in order to start their professional acting career in South Africa. Those who will be trying their luck at the auditions will be auditioning using their own script.
Otlaadisa also advised those who wish to try their hand at acting that besides having talent, one needed to be very patient and a fighter. “We learnt from Season 1 that this is not child’s play. The industry needs someone who is willing to chase their dream and someone who has the stamina to keep pushing,” he cautions. “Once they have won the competition, it is only the beginning,” he adds.
Signed International season 2 was launched this past weekend in Gaborone and was graced by the likes of Connie Ferguson, Minister Thapelo Olopeng, Member of Parliament for Lobatse Sadique Kebonang to mention a few. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sport & Culture as well as CIPA (Companies & Intellectual Property Authority).