This project was initially launched in 2004 for youth performers in the various regions of the National Eisteddfod. Since 2006 this competition has been open to top achievers in all other existing eisteddfods and festivals in South Africa and entries have grown to more than 1 000 annually.
The competition provides the next level of participation for all recipients of diploma (or similar awards) in various festivals or competitions. It provides a platform where the best, young performers in music, dance and drama can compete and showcase their talents. The competition involves an adjudication process of four rounds. All rounds will take place at the ProMusica Theatre in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
The first round will take place from 28 February to 17 March. A panel of adjudicators will adjudicate all entries and identify a limited number of participants to move on to the quarterfinal round which will run from 17 to 22 March. The semifinal round from 7 to 10 May will be presented as evening concerts. Separate events will be presented for classical music, contemporary music, dance and drama. Only a limited number of participants are invited to each of the semifinal rounds and the overall junior and senior winners of all sections will be announced at this round.
The junior and senior winners of the dance, contemporary and classical music, as well as drama sections will finally compete for the overall awards on 19 May at the ProMusica Theatre. This event will be adjudicated by a panel of adjudicators representing the various genres.
Prize money of R50 000 will be awarded to the top junior and senior performers in the classical, crossover and contemporary music, speech and drama and dance genres. Artslink.co.za, an internet-based wire service for South African arts, culture and entertainment news and reviews, has also sponsored an amount of R10 000 towards the awards prize money. This will be allocated to the award for the overall best performer in all genres.
Entry forms, entry fees and additional information are available on the NEA website www.eisteddfod.co.za. The closing date for entries from participants who achieved diplomas and similar awards in any festivals and competitions - excluding examinations - is 10 February 2012.
