Clarendon High School pupil Okuhle Mpepo, 16, was lucky enough to visit the United States as part of the 11-day Applause Rising Talent Showcase Convention last month.
The GO! previously reported (“Scouted for world stage” July 4) that Mpepo was scouted to represent the country at the convention in Florida and to participate in workshops at the Artist Management
Mpepo met Elsubie Verlinden, a national model, actress and owner of Just You Model and Artist Management, last year at Grens Hoërskool during the auditions for the International Arts Talent Showcase.
“It was a life-changing experience. I have never learned so much in such a short time, not only about the film industry but also about myself,” she said.
Mpepo said she learned that being grounded was the main key to success, along with learning to believe in yourself.
“There was a young girl behind me who was beautiful and a jack-of-all trades: she was a dancer, actress, model and singer.
“There were a lot like her in that convention, but one still has to believe in yourself and be confident. If I was not grounded, the whole experience would have swallowed me up and overwhelmed me,” she said.
Mpepo said the convention focused on industry work such as how to speak to agents, how to handle yourself during call-backs and interviews, and how to prepare yourself for an audition.
“My main goal is to study at the New York Film Academy one day,” she said confidently.
