Local girl invited to the US for world talent show case
She needs a sponsorship for the trip, which costs R55 000.
BIRCH Acres resident Thandiwe Sibeko (20) has been handpicked to attend the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (Arts), an event that helps talented individuals gain exposure in the world of the performing arts and fashion.
Sibeko, a second year business management student at Boston City Campus, received an invitation after she amazed judges at auditions with her modelling and acting skills.
The week-long internationally recognised event will take place in July in Orlando, Florida.
Arts is a family-owned and operated international organisation where aspiring actors, singers, dancers and fashion or commercial models are given the opportunity to perform on stage in front of hundreds of agents and a live audience.
“I auditioned for high fashion modelling and had to prepare a monologue to present at the first round of auditions in Sandton in August last year, where I was scouted by the modelling agency, Just You. Making it through, I went to the Arts auditions on October 2 and 3 at SilverStar Casino on the West Rand,” the Norkem High School alumnus said..
But to be able to experience this, Sibeko needs R55 000 and is requesting sponsorship from anyone who can help her attend Arts.
“The opportunity to travel overseas would really open a lot of doors for me, because it will also expose me to the possibility of getting a scholarship to study at the New York Film Academy.”
Sibeko’s acting and modelling skills were so impressive that the executive director of Arts, Kimberly Myers, took notice of her and invited her to the showcase.
To prepare for the showcase in July, the aspiring businesswoman has to attend two boot camps, one she already completed in January and another one in Pretoria in April.
Being part of the event will bring Sibeko face-to-face with industry professionals throughout the world and all the participants will experience seven days of the ultimate industry exposure.
She hopes to one day bring together her love of high fashion designing and entrepreneurship by starting her own clothing line.
Arts will take place from July 25 to 31 and Sibeko will depart on July 22.
If you would like to help Sibeko achieve her dream of flying to the US, contact her on 061-242-7685 or send an email to sibekothandiwe19@gmail.com. Alternatively, contact Elsubie Verlinden, regional director and owner of Just You Model and Artist Management. She is also the producer of the international talent showcase. Contact her on 084-759-0677 or 011-039-2481.
