The students, some as young as 12, were invited to a performance of The Sound of Music production at The Teatro at Montecasino. The Tsogo Sun Arts Academy aims to make a real difference in 480 talented students through 12 schools in Mayfair and Diepsloot.
The programme offers students insight into what makes an ideal performer by developing artistic talent and providing life skills development.
Not only did they get an exclusive backstage tour of the Teatro and The Sound of Music set, the students were also treated to a Q&A session with Bryan Hill, General Manager of The Teatro at Montecasino.
They were able to find out a wide scope of information of the entertainment industry including backstage and production skills sets, details of what it is like to be in the arts industry in different ways and also what it takes to become a child actor in a production such as the one they had just seen.
Bryan Hill, General Manager of The Teatro at Montecasino says, “To be able to constantly feed the South African theatre industry we have to start at grass roots level. Our vision is to help facilitate opportunities for the Tsogo Sun Arts Academy students which allow them to gain experience and have an overall understanding of the theatre industry both on the stage and behind the scenes.”
Tumisho Mogano, a learner from Johannesburg Secondary School, was thrilled to see the show as it was her first time at The Teatro and her very first live show.
“It was absolutely wonderful and we all enjoyed watching the performers. I hope that one day I will also be on stage and be able to express myself through art.” she says.
Says Shanda Paine, Group CSI Manager at Tsogo Sun: “Exposing learners to world-class productions such as The Sound Of Music allows the pupils insight into what makes a performer great while giving them an understanding of what tools and characteristics are needed to pursue a career in the world of performing arts.
This aligns with the overall belief of the Tsogo Sun Arts Academy that the educational framework within our schools must be supported by providing extra-curricular activities where skills and talent can be identified meaning learners’ potential can be fully realised.”
The Sound Of Music production comprises an all-star South African cast singing some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage.
The production will be captivating audiences at The Teatro at Montecasino until 8 June. Tickets are on sale now through Computicket.
