Auditions are open for Summer Heat Model & Talent Search 2016 | Marketing

Summer Heat Model & Talent Search is once again providing South African singers, dancers, actors and models with the sought-after platform to showcase their unique talents with applications for auditions opening across the country. KwaZulu-Natal hopefuls will get their chance to impress the judges on 30 and 31 January at Pumpkin Theatre at La Montagne Hotel in Ballito. Finalists from each national audition will be selected to represent their province at the Summer Heat Gala Finals later in the year.

“We are extremely excited to see the talent that South Africa has to offer at this year’s Summer Heat Model & Talent Search auditions,” said Gillian Habib, co-founder and co-director of Summer Heat. “Each year the talent blows us away and we are sure that this year will be no different. We can’t wait to add more people to our Summer Heat family.”

Besides providing an incredible opportunity for models, singers, actors and dancers who show that extra bit of potential to reveal their talents to the nation, the renowned Summer Heat Model & Talent Search gives competitors the opportunity to make it on the international stage.

Entering Summer Heat offers so many opportunities. Contestants could be selected as a provincial representative for the Summer Heat Gala finals and, additionally, scouts for the International Talent Showcase will be present at each audition to assess the contestants. The select few who stand out will be invited to perform at this showcase where international scout, talent manager and director of ARTS USA, Kim Myers, will be present.

Added to this, every contestant also has the opportunity of being evaluated for potential scholarships to study at the New York Film Academy and other tertiary institutes in the USA and Europe.

“Summer Heat Model & Talent Search is a safe, secure and caring launch pad for a career in both local and international performing arts,” explained Habib. “We have opened so many doors for South Africans who are already following their dreams.”

Habib explained that several contestants from the previous six years of Summer Heat events have carved out careers within the performance industry or found success – both locally and internationally – in the music, television and film industries.

“Previous competitors have released their own CDs; received scholarships for major New York and Los Angeles film schools and appeared on television, in films and music videos. All of these opportunities were offered to them because they took the chance and performed at the reputable Summer Heat Model & Talent Search,” said Habib.

Durban-born model, actress and dancer, Cassandra Stead, proved the benefits of the contest after winning the Top Summer Heat Model Award in 2013. Stead went on to represent South Africa at the ARTS Showcase in June 2014 where she received numerous international call backs. After deciding to pursue a career in South Africa initially, Stead secured four commercial castings - including MTN, KOO, and Coca-Cola – within weeks of each other.

Likewise, 13-year-old Diolan Govender – who owned the stage at the ARTS in the United States of America in 2014 – received 11 call backs from international agents and managers. In 2015, he travelled to Hollywood where he entered contract negotiations with Nickolodeon and Disney Channels. He also received a scholarship to study at the illustrious New York Film Academy and has since completed the summer conservancy programme. He recently completed performance in a music video for American artist, Nate Butler and starred in a South African movie.

Every contestant who is selected at the regional auditions will be invited to participate in a highly informative five-day weekend in preparation for the national awards’ event. Finalists will gain vital workplace information through various workshops, photo shoots and fun team building exercises that allow contestants to become part of the supportive Summer Heat family.

The cost to audition at Summer Heat is R450 per contestant, allowing the participant to enter as many different individual categories or for a group performance and includes a highly informative workshop and a photo shoot. There are no age limitations for any of the singing, dancing, acting or modelling categories. To apply, visit www.summerheatsearch.co.za