She and 90 other South Africans have just returned from the World Championship of Performing Arts in Long Beach California where she competed in the acting and modelling categories.
She won two silver medals for modelling, four for acting and two Champion of the World Division Awards for Acting. Reis also made it to the grand finale for acting, winning a showcase medal.
The 17-year-old said her love for perfoming arts was inspired when she auditioned for primary school plays. “I was a shy and anxious child and by going on stage I realised that I could be all sorts of different characters, it gave me self-confidence,” said Reis.
“I want to thank Craig du Preez who introduced me to acting, taking a chance on me.”
Her family hopes that after she matriculates in 2017, she can either move to New York or Los Angeles to take up her scholarship at the New York Film Academy. Reis’ mother, Helen said, “We are trying desperately to get the funds together. We need close to R500 000 per year for the two-year study and living costs.”
Reis won the Overall Best Performer for Speech and Drama for the Randburg and Sandton Eisteddfod Region, and for the past three years she has entered the South African Championship of Performing Arts.
“This year I won 16 medals – nine gold, five silver and two bronze, and was selected to be in the final showcase,” she said.
“South Africa does not have many opportunities for performing arts, but I would tell any young person who wants to get into this industry to not hesitate in taking up acting.”
Details: To donate towards Reis’ studies e-mail Helen Reis at helen@grip-tech.com
