International award in the bag for local actress
Sheena grew up taking part in school plays as well as annual arts festivals, although she studied for clinical psychology after she completed high school
Sheena Mabena was supposed to shine in the American limelights but the fall of the global pandemic made rearrangements to her dispositions.
The 32-year-old actress from Duvha Park was scouted to audition at the International Modeling and Talent Association in New York City.
“I was scouted by American media industry professionals to compete at the convention in New York this July but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the event was cancelled, however, I received a second invitation to attend the IMTA Convention in Hollywood in January 2021,” she said.
Sheena grew up taking part in school plays as well as annual arts festivals, although she studied for clinical psychology after she completed high school.
She said her choice to opt for psychology was sparked by being fascinated with people’s inner thoughts.
“As a child, I would observe them and ask myself questions regarding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour: How they think, how their thoughts evoke their emotions and how that motivates their behaviour. That’s where my love for psychology came in. It teaches me every day how I should empathise with people ‘put myself in their shoes to understand and appreciate their circumstances’ instead of sympathising with them,” she said.
Sheena added that she fell in love with two careers that have now intertwined to help her prosper even further.
“My psychology studies have helped me in my acting. When you act, you embody a character by putting yourself in their shoes. You bring them to life. Yes, the part you play may not always resonate with your current life circumstances, but it resonates with someone out there. It allows me to tell the story authentically through imagined circumstances,” she said adding that she does not believe in limiting herself, and studying for psychology was not a mistake.”
When explaining how she got into acting, she said she decided to pursue her passion for acting after she obtained her qualification in psychology.
“That is when I made the decision to enrol into acting courses and they reinforced my love for acting and I started searching for an agency. My search led me to 33 And Me talent Agency. I also discovered that the agency held auditions for the International Arts and Talent Showcase. After receiving a call-back, I went on to audition at Silverstar Casino at the IATS national auditions.”
Sheena proved that you need not be old in the media industry to outdo but takes passion and hard work when she scooped an international award in the talent based category despite being the new kid on the block.
“I was very happy to receive the talent based award. You know, it is one thing to know what you are capable of doing, but it’s another to get recognition and validation for it,” shared an excited Sheena.
The IMTA offers an international panel of agents, records labels, casting directors, managers and producers from Hollywood, Miami, New York City, Atlanta, as well as Europe and Asia; it showcases performers and models from all over the globe and has produced big stars such as Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, amongst others.
“My main focus is to do my best at the convention and accumulate many call-backs from the numerous casting directors and producers present at the convention. In addition, I and other candidates will be attending workshops during the convention and I strive to bring this knowledge back to empower not only myself but also my colleagues in the industry. The international exposure will also ensure a higher chance of casting opportunities in South Africa,” she added.
