For over a decade, The International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS) has not only been identifying local talent, but developing that talent through international arts education.
Every year, Elsubie Verlinden, Chairman and CEO of 33 and Me Talent Agency and Producer of the IATS, travels across the country to scout the new budding talent this country has to offer.
This year, things escalate, as Elsubie is flying in renowned songwriter, music producer and Casting Director, Nate Butler, to join the panel of adjudicators at the 7 May East London auditions, as well as the 14 May Johannesburg auditions. Nate will also be hosting a number of workshops during his time in the country.
Nate says, “This is the season to empower the future of this nation. I am coming back to South Africa for the 9th year now. Africa is part of my DNA. I never knew what it was about the country that kept drawing me back, but I soon realised it is what the citizens call Ubuntu. This is a country rich with talent and I want to continue strengthening the movement that The International ARTS Talent Showcase has mastered by uplifting and empowering the youth of South Africa.”
Nate will be issuing the following workshops during his time here:
- Music Business and Royalties
- Cast to get casted
- Developing and mastering your authentic confident self
Elsubie says, “Nate Butler is a vibrant source of wisdom that speaks to the heart of our youth. With the large unemployment rate in our country, predominantly among the youth, Nate speaks hope into the lives of our children. Now is the season for our youth to be empowered and take back their power. Our aim is to equip youngsters with the skills to get up and work at changing their circumstances.”
Moreover, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) will be bringing in $850 000 in partial educational scholarships, in cooperation with the IATS. Auditions for these scholarships will take place on 5 and 6 April in Johannesburg and for one day only in Cape Town on 11 April.
To add icing to the cake, Elsubie will also be bringing in Nancy Mancuso, Head of the International Modeling and Talent Convention (IMTA) – the largest model and talent convention in the world – to the 12th Annual IATS Talent Showcase on 29-30 September and 1 October. She will be part of the international adjudicating panel for the three day Showcase.
Elsubie adds, “Bringing in Nancy to South Africa for the first time is an honour. We pride ourselves in allowing local hopefuls to be discovered internationally. It is important for young entrepreneurs to remember that global opportunities are available for those who have the faith to pursue their dream. By believing in yourself, anything is possible.”
Lastly, select auditions and workshops will form part of a new reality television show called Dream Factory.
Dream Factory will be aired during the month of June, youth month, as it celebrates the youth in our country and the international opportunities on offer.
Elsubie concludes, “Dream Factory, in collaboration with The International ARTS Talent Showcase, is travelling the country to create hope, empower and educate the youth and young adults in the entertainment, arts and fashion industry. We are discovering, identifying and developing our nation. Dream Factory is where dreams are manufactured, a show that will showcase the talent in all nine provinces, filled with back stories of struggle and victory. Moving from victim to victory mindsets, Dream Factory will drive hope, showcase undiscovered talent and empower our nation with real stories of transformation and success.”
To take part in the workshops with Nate Butler, please email creativedirector@33andme.co.za
To take part in the AMDA auditions, please email education@amdasa.co.za
