The National Eisteddfod Academy NPC, a non-profit organisation dedicated to youth development in the arts since 1997, is excited to announce the call for entries for the 22nd NEA Young Performer Awards competition. This prestigious event, one of the most significant of its kind in South Africa, offers talented young performers the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for gold, silver and bronze medals, along with R20,000 in cash prizes.
Competition Details
The 22nd NEA Young Performer Awards Competition provides a next level of participation and is open to all amateur performers and groups in music (classical and contemporary), dance, and drama, who have excelled in any eisteddfod or similar event across the country in 2024. The journey to the awards will unfold over four rounds which will be hosted at various venues in the Johannesburg/Pretoria regions, starting on 3 March and culminating in the final round.
Eligibility for Entry
Eligibility for entry requires participants to have received a diploma award in the National Eisteddfod of South Africa in 2024 or a similar accolade from any other eisteddfod or competition within the same period. Recognising that some talented performers may not have participated in any eisteddfod in the previous year, the NEA has introduced a Preliminary Qualifying Round. This round offers an additional opportunity for promising young artists to qualify for the competition. This option is available for a limited period only.
Award Categories
Participants in the 22nd NEA Young Performer Awards Competition will compete in the following categories:
- Music: Classical and Contemporary
- Dance: Various dance forms
- Drama: Theatrical performances
Key Dates
- Call for Entries: Now Open
- Closing date for entries: 1 March 2025
- First Round: 3 – 15 March 2025
- Second Round: 17 – 20 March 2025
- Semi-Final Round: 9 – 10 May 2025
- Final Round: date/venue to be confirmed
Video Submission for Remote Participants
Although a live performance in any competition is king, participants hailing from provinces outside Gauteng have the option to perform live or to submit video recorded performances for adjudication in the first and second rounds. These videos will be scheduled and adjudicated in the same sessions as the live performances, ensuring equal opportunities for all contestants. This allowance will be applicable to the first and second rounds of the competition only. This allowance aims to reduce the high cost of travelling to Gauteng, enabling more young talents to showcase their skills without financial constraints. All new video recordings must reach the NEA Office by 01 March 2025.
How to Enter
To find out more about the entry fees, entry forms, the performance categories, as well as the Preliminary Qualifying Roundand other information, please visit the website www.eisteddfod.co.za\young-performer-awards-2025 or contact the NEA Office on 011-886-6005 / e-mail: admin@eisteddfod.co.za
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary talents of South Africa’s young performers and support their journey to artistic excellence. We look forward to witnessing the incredible performances and achievements that will emerge from this year’s competition.
Follow the NEA on:
𝕏: @NEA_Eisteddfod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nearsa
Website: www.eisteddfod.co.za
