Amanzimtoti teen actress heads to the Big Apple
It was the best decision to focus on acting and I would like to do it as a career.
With stars in her eyes, a young actress has proven she has what it takes to make it on stage. Rhyah Mohanlal, 15, was so impressive at her audition for the International Modeling and Talent Association in Johannesburg in September, she not only received an invitation to New York, but also a scholarship to study at the film academy.
“We had to prepare a one-minute monologue to perform on stage in front of a panel of international judges. I chose mine from 13 Reasons Why, because it has lots of drama and it gets the message across, which is a beautiful one. It went so well and I was so proud of myself. I had so much confidence. I was in character when I walked on stage and didn’t break character.”
Only six scholarships were awarded, which will help Rhyah’s parents with the cost. She is looking at sponsorship to make up the shortfall. She has just completed Grade 9 at Durban Girls College and is keen to take up a short-term scholarship to study at the New York Film Academy.
“When I was younger, I loved acting. I enrolled at Sonja Nell’s agency, Models and Talent Inc. At first I did modelling, which built up my self-esteem. But I realised I would never become a model, so I focussed on acting. I learnt so much about the industry. It was the best decision to focus on acting and I would like to do it as a career. My parents are fully supportive. I would love to go overseas and study in New York, as it is a more broader education than anything available in South Africa.”
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The young actress is also a keen painter, which she took up last year after following tutorials, and is a budding poet. “I love writing stories and I’m busy working on a screenplay, which I hope to finish this year, so that I can hand it in next year. I’m so intrigued by the whole industry and I also want to get into production. I’m glad I took the step and I can go next year.”
With a choice of a short-term scholarship of one to seven weeks, or a longer one of a year, Rhyah is keen to do the shorter one, so that she can return home to continue with her schooling. “School is still very important to me. I’m glad I got the scholarship, so that I can go and see what the academy is like.”
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