Next stop, New York for local performer

Seventeen-year-old Gemma Rose Angileri won a scholarship to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA), a school known for producing the stars we watch on TV programmes such as Glee and Teenwolf.

Now the performing artist from Kenmare is preparing to fly the South African flag high as she represents her country at this prestigious art and theatre school in New York.

Gemma Rose was awarded a two-year scholarship to the value of $20 000.

“I am the only South African,” Gemma Rose said as she explained the process by which only 30 students were chosen.

She was selected after being invited to showcase her talents to the who’s who of the film industry in Orlando in December.

The young Gemma Rose enjoys acting, dancing, modelling and has added singing to her list of talents as she started training her voice.

“If I don’t perform for a month, I feel depressed. If I am not dramatic in any way, I feel off.”

She recalled the moment she had to improvise YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) in an audition – without even knowing who or what he was.

She quickly responded by saying, “YSL is great; you can give it to your new-born baby.”

When the news asked her what she enjoys most – acting, modelling or singing – she couldn’t make up her mind and insisted, “I am a performer”.

The bubbly aspiring entertainer is set to fly to New York later this year to attend the prestigious school. Sadly the costly living expenses in New York are a hurdle young Gemma Rose has to cross.

When her mother Angie approached various companies and businesses in the community for sponsorship, she kept hearing no! Companies preplan the budgets they allocate to charities and organisations, and rarely contribute to individuals.

The living expenses, which are not included in the scholarship, add up to over R610 000 for the two years.

With the help of her supportive single mother of four, the two are set to find sponsors to help make Gemma Rose’s dreams come true.