Newcastle’s Jodine Schoombee prepares to take on the silver screen

The global pandemic has all but halted the development and projects within the entertainment industry here in sunny, South Africa. With thousands of aspiring young people’s lives and potential careers being placed on hold, waiting eagerly for the glitz and the glamour of the silver screen to reignite, then there are those who refuse to sit back and wait for the entertainment industry to get back to full steam.

As an aspiring actress, at just 13 years old, Jodine Schoombee, who hails from Newcastle, KZN, is one such person. 

Proudly winning a spot as part of the kykNet Project, Speeltoneel, an achievement which will see her participate in a short film, airing on kykNet, Channel 146, during 2021. Jodine says this is the first step in her life’s dream of becoming a prominent actress.

With Jodine now undergoing extensive drama and physical fitness classes, she is also being mentored by prominent South African actor, Viljé Maritz, who is known for his roles in Verraaiers, Mooirivier and Platteland.

So how did Jodine manage to secure this achievement?

According to her mother, Jacqueline, one of Jodine’s beloved teachers from Drakensberg Primary, Isabel Meyer, contacted the Schoombee family regarding the Speeltonneel competition. With Meyer encouraging Jodine to send in an audition video, the family followed up on what was expected and took the step. “We were then notified on August 8, that Jodine made it through,” Jacqueline beams.

Jodine is elated about her achievement and stresses this a dream come true.

“I am excited about this opportunity and I hope that through it, I can succeed in drama after school. I want to be an actress, I am good at learning and memorising drama pieces, I enjoy acting and I can even cry at will if necessary, for a role,” she says with a smile. 

While the dates are still to be set for the short film, Jodine views this as a key step in her potential acting career.

“I am hoping that people can learn more about me as a person, hopefully, a tv star will see my talent and help me achieve my goals and get more and bigger roles,” she says enthusiastically.

As this young talent undergoes strenuous training and mentorship, Jodine explains she owes a huge thanks to her teacher, Ms Meyer.

Every month, Jodine gets a new drama piece which she must learn and perfect. She also must create her own characters, develop them and create monologues. Through her natural talent and the assistance of both Meyer and Maritz, Jodine is confident that she will be able to tackle this first major step in her career.

“Ms Meyer is an amazing drama teacher. During the lockdown, we did video calls every day so she could help me. I really appreciate her taking time out of her day to assist me.”

Maritz has been just as helpful, advising Jodine on where and how to improve her skills.  Thereby, allowing Jodine to harness her natural acting ability and possibly evolving into a household name.

As Jodine transforms into a star, achieving her dreams, the Newcastillian – Daily Online News calls on parents and schools. While the pandemic has seen people largely restricted to their homes, there are children who have shone brightly and achieved remarkable accolades.

If your child has taken the lockdown head-on, accomplishing extraordinary achievements, let us know and they could stand the chance of featuring in a personal interview, right here on the massive Newcastillian – Daily Online News, worth an impressive R4 000!

Author: Quinton Boucher

Edited: Calvin Swemmer