Local learner takes a crack at showbiz

Westbrook’s Matthew Harrison is one of the lucky few to have earned a golden ticket to go audition in front of talent scouts from Nickelodeon and Disney in Orlando, Florida in July.

The 17-year-old Crawford matric pupil’s dreams of working in the film business recently became a possible reality when he took part in a talent scout competition in Johannesburg last year.

“I auditioned for three days covering singing, acting, modeling and dancing in front of SA talent scout Elsubie Verlinden and American talent scout Kim Meyers, who was looking for talents who are marketable in the US,” said Harrison, who has loved drama since grade one and started modeling and dancing in high school.

“The three days were hectic and we only finished callbacks around midnight on the last day. I remember staying up till 3am when I finally got the news that I was in!”

About 40 talents were chosen and went off to a bootcamp in Johannesburg at the beginning of the year to prepare for the big shots at the Applause Rising Talent showcase in Orlando.

“The bootcamp was intense with workshops from 6am till 10pm. The competition is super tough, especially when it comes to singing and dancing. Acting has always been my favourite art, as it fascinates me how you can morph into someone else,” said Harrison, who’s role model is the master chameleon, Johnny Depp.

While his older brother, Micheal (23) is following the more conventional path with his land surveying studies at UKZN, Matthew said his parents have been extremely supportive in his show business choice.

“I get my creativity from my mom, Glenda, who designs and makes clothes, which I then market for her on social media. I love seeing people wear her clothes and I think she loves seeing me perform on stage and doing well in what I am passionate about. I believe if you are confident, motivated and hard working you can succeed in anything.”

The time in Orlando will not only be spent show casing his talents, but will also provide crucial workshops such as media training, understanding and handling the industry and learning how to build your brand.

“Kim drilled into us to be prepared for New York and to represent your brand at all times. I am ready and excited about the new doors that will hopefully open in the US.”

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