Local model makes name overseas

A former Hoërskool Jeugland learner, Eden Classens (23), is not only a model but is set to play the lead in a new Afrikaans movie, “Rowwe Diamante”, due to be released in cinemas nationwide on May 8.

Classens started acting and singing at a young age and while in high school starred in various lead roles in singing, dancing and acting productions. He visited various countries with the East Rand Youth Choir under the direction of Richter Grimbeek.

He moved to NYC after matric to study musical theatre and acting at the prestigious New York Film Academy. He received a scholarship to train under the acclaimed Broadway casting director, VP Boyle.

“The hands-on programme gave Eden the opportunity to work in front and behind the camera, as well as on stage, as the teachers were world-class performers and current Broadway professionals,” his stepmother, Linda Dubek, said.

Classens graduated after two years and became a model, travelling abroad for fashion weeks. He also did various short films, the most successful one a musical film, “It is what it is”, which received various awards at film festivals.

He is now back in his home town.

EXPRESS asked Classens about himself and his dreams:

How will you describe yourself in three words?

“Determined, focused and creative.”

What is your best memory of all your modelling tours?

“My first show at New York Fashion Week. And also a shoot I did in Wisconsin in the USA. A whole week at the lakes while shooting was incredible.”

Is modelling a hobby or profession for you?

“I started off not the biggest fan but now I enjoy it and consider it much more than a hobby.”

Through your journeys overseas, have you met any interesting people and who?

“Well I consider my teachers at the New York Film Academy to be the most interesting and hard working people I’ve met. They were almost all on Broadway. To be able to see them performing on stage on Broadway in the evening was just inspiring. To see people do what they love on the biggest stage, that’s interesting! They literally practised what the preached.”

Would you rather like a career in singing or acting?

“Yes, I am primarily an actor.”

What is your biggest achievement in life?

“To be able to still do what I love. It’s been a difficult road at times but to act is still my biggest inspiration.”

How did you get the scholarship to train under the acclaimed Broadway casting director, VP Boyle?

“I started auditioning via YouTube. I was in Jeugland and because of their annual extravaganza and revue I had enough material to send through to NYFA and got a scholarship. I then travelled to New York to meet him personally. Needless to say, I finished high school in December and flew to New York in January. Never looked back.”

What is your favourite place of all the places you have been to and why?

“Prague and Czech Republic. What a beautiful architectural city. Beautiful cathedrals, just absolutely inspiring. New York too. What can I say, wow!”

Classens maintains a close relationship with NYFA and hosts its South African audition tours when they scout for talent.

He will also star in the English South African true life drama film, Reload, due to be released in July. He also got the opportunity to work on the American film, Revolt, with the likes of Lee Pace and Berenice Mahone, filmed by the talented Karl-Walter Lindenlaub.

“He works for a few model agencies over the world, Boss Models in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Request Models in New York and Beatrise in Milan. He just finished his first Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa and South African Fashion Week,” says Dubek.