The SOS fund needs your help to assist Josias Mashiane, a young man from Tembisa, who is passionate about entertainment lighting and who has been invited to attend training at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas. While the SOS Fund, an initiative by DWR Distribution is there to assist people who find themselves in unforeseen trouble, in this case we would like the charity to be an uplifting change to help someone further their career and to give back to the industry. The SOS is committed to contribute R31 000 and the flight costs for Josias’ studies, but are asking companies who are able to, to help us raise another R31 000 – every bit counts and any token will be welcome.
DWR initially heard about Josias when Lee Baird was updating the company website’s Freelancer Page and made contact with him. Josias mentioned he was hoping to further his studies in America, and Lee thought this might be an opportunity for the SOS.
Josias started off his career as an actor but on stage was inspired by the crew behind the scenes and changed direction to work on the technical side. In 2014, he took up a two-year internship position at The Market Theatre Foundation where he was mentored and received training by Nomvula Molepo, Head of Lighting at The Market Theatre. During this time, Josias says as a young designer it was also a privileged to work alongside Mannie Manim, Denis Hutchinson, Mandla Mtshali, Alfred Rietmann, Oliver Hauser and Peter Thapelo Mokgosi.
As a lighting technician he worked on various musicals with personal highlights including Sophiatown with LD Denis Hutchinson, Ketekang and Colored Museum with LD Nomvula Molepo, on various dance productions with Oliver Hauser and for the Vuyani Dance Theatre. He is now freelancing for Gearhouse Splitbeam.
Last year Josias attended training at the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas, and due to his success has been invited back again to attend Track 2 Advanced Level held from the 4th of June to 29th of July. The Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas is generously offering to pay $9,995 scholarship fees of the total $11,995, and Josias is required to pay the outstanding amount along with accommodation, traveling and meals.
“I’ve met Josias and he is a young man who wants to further himself and make a difference in the industry,” said Duncan Riley of DWR. “The SOS would like to cheer him on and believe he has the potential to do great things.”
“I see this as my future. I have been inspired by what I’ve seen in the industry especially at rental companies who supply lighting and stages for events. I want to be one of the committed people to do this work, and not to just see it as a job but rather as a passion.” Ended Josias.
