Deadline extended for Nyoloha Scholarship Programme in SA

The call is intended for artists, school leavers and young people who want to study toward a performing arts degree to apply for the programme.

In Sesotho, Nyoloha means ‘rise’, and the NSP is part of the new ACT strategy to educate, uplift and empower artists who wish to make a career in the arts and culture sector. The programme is a partnership between ACT and Nedbank Arts Affinity. It seeks to create an opportunity to fund higher education for young South African performers and visual artists. Winners stand a chance to win a fully paid scholarship to study at an arts institution of their choice in South Africa.

Interested individuals can apply here before 1 June.

Online applications are open nationwide to grade 11 and grade 12 learners, as well as young people up to 25 years. To qualify, applicants must have achieved a university exemption. The categories are singing, visual arts, dancing and acting. Parental or guardian consent and a registration fee of R100 is required to register for the national auditions. Applicants should deposit(link is external) the R100 registration fee as part of the application process.

General eligibility

• Scholars in Grade 11 and 12 with university exemption.
• Individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 with university exemption (have completed matric), are not registered at a tertiary institution, nor considered to be a professional performing artist.
• Individuals in need of/worthy candidates who do not have access to financial assistance to study further will be given preference.

Auditions/interviews

• All auditions will be conducted (and recorded) via Zoom in May/June 2022. Dates and slots will be communicated to each individual applicant accordingly.
• All eligible candidates will be contacted accordingly, and an audition date set up with the relevant arts professional.
• Applicants who have not been contacted for an audition should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Preparation for audition (music)

• Applicants should prepare two songs of their choice, in any genre, that best showcase their range, technique and overall talent.
• Songs should be no longer than two minutes each.
• Preparation for audition (dance)
• Applicants should prepare two dance/movement pieces of their choice, which best showcase their range and talent.
• Dance performances should be no longer than two minutes each.

Preparation for audition (theatre/performance)

• Applicants should prepare two monologues of their choice, which best showcase their range and talent.
• Monologues should be no longer than two minutes each. After registering, a link will be sent to acting candidates with a list of suggested monologues.
• Though candidates are at liberty to select their audition material, ACT strongly discourages performing material that candidates have written themselves.

Portfolio submission and interview preparation (visual arts)

• Applicants should prepare and submit four different, original pieces of work – one image per work.
• Make sure that images are clear, and that the work can be seen.
• Ensure that each image should be a file no larger than 32MB.

Applicants should prepare a motivation letter:

• Stating why they should be included in the programme.
• Describing a bit more about themselves and why did they choose to do visual arts.

Note: No parents/legal guardians or teachers will be allowed to participate during the audition/interview. Applicants should ensure that they use minimal props for their audition/interview. They may use a table and chair as part of their props. No costume changes are permitted. Auditions/interviews will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The entire audition/interview session could last up to 30 mins.

Important information

• The ACT Nyoloha Programme Scholarships finals week will be held in Sun City, North West, from 3 to 7 October.
• ACT will cover finalists’ meals, travel and accommodation costs during the week of the finals.
• The final adjudication and gala performance/showcase as well as the winner/s announcement will take place on Saturday 8 October.
• Applicants who are under the age of 18 should ensure that the guidelines form(link is external) is signed off by a parent or legal guardian.
• Read the guidelines and more about the accredited institutions here.

According to ACT CEO Jessica Denyschen, the deadline extension was due to public demand, which resulted in responses exceeding expectations.

“As word spreads among matriculants, school leavers, educators and parents, the volume of applicants and enquiries continue to grow,” Denyschen said. “We are pleased to extend the closing date to the end of May, thereby offering more students the opportunity to take the road to Sun City and possibly win a fully paid scholarship to study at any one arts institution of their choice, across South Africa.”

View the original call here.