Local actor to make TV debut in short film

A 21-YEAR-old former Floors High school learner and Kimberley resident, Rae-Jean Cross, will make her debut as an actress on television when she features in a short film named ‘5 Stars’.

Cross, who is a dancer, will be playing the character of a feisty young woman named ‘Chantel’ who is besotted with her boyfriend, but her inquisitive side results in the break-up of many close relationships she has with some of the characters in the film.

Cross said she did not expect to secure the role of Chantel as she had auditioned for the role of a dancer in the short film.

"I was selected to play the role of Chantel in July this year. I did not audition for the role of Chantel specifically, but that of being a dancer in the short film. I assumed I would get the role of the dancer, however, the writer saw the Chantel in me during the period we conducted online auditions and workshops. I was shocked and excited when I saw that I got the role of Chantel because I never saw myself as an actress, but rather as a dancer. I am so happy that I can now explore a new avenue in my career," said Cross.

She added that she has been receiving mentorship from some of the renowned actors and actresses that will assist her in preparing for her role.

"During my previous dance auditions in other productions, I received a bursary in order to receive training in a programme called ‘Acting with the Stars’. I was mentored by Izak Davel, who played the character of ‘Bradley’ on ‘Isidingo’. I also met and learnt some acting skills from several other actors, like Germandt Geldenhuys from ‘Suidooster’, Amor Vittone from ‘7de Laan’ and Desire Gardner from ‘Suidooster’.”

Cross said her ambition and perseverance had seen her reach her dream.

"I never received formal training as a dancer. I am a self-taught dancer, but that has not stopped me from pursuing a career in the performing arts industry. Not a day goes by where I do not train in dance. I do multiple dance genres like hip-hop, Latin, contemporary and even amapiano," she says with a laugh.

Cross urged the youth of the Northern Cape not to underestimate small beginnings.

"The Northern Cape is seen as a poor and dull province. However, there is so much talent in our Province. We need our artists to get educated in order to enhance their craft and in order to identify other opportunities within this broad performing and entertainment industry. Our local government and people need to invest more in the arts.

“We already have so many artists from the Province who paved wonderful careers for themselves in the arts industry. There is much more talent in our schools, who are waiting to become national and international stars. We cannot let that talent go to waste or unnoticed.

“Not every child is a doctor or an engineer, but others are dancers who blossom into actors … like in my case," Cross chuckled.