Nina Smit, founder of NovieKidz, is a Cum Laude graduate in Honours Drama from Stellenbosch University, with seven years of drama-facilitating experience. She's a professional actress known for her roles in TV series such as Fynskrif, Sarah se Geheim, and Die Boekklub, as well as the Showmax film Lycra en Petticoats. Nominated for Best Actress at the 2019 US Drama Department’s Première Theatre Festival, she received acclaim for her role as Lady Capulet. In addition to completing Acting For Film Level 1 at ACT Cape Town in 2018, Nina also hosted the 2021 National Acting Competition and served as a substitute teacher for Dramatic Arts at Bloemhof Girls’ High School in 2019. Her notable theatre credits include Kansel (Vryfees), Lycra en Petticoats (University of Stellenbosch, Woordfees), Op Dees Aarde (University of Stellenbosch), Wit Rosie Rooi Rosie (Woordfees); STIEF (Chris Pienaar & Marthinus Basson); Die Prinses en die Ertjie (Woordfees); Oleanna (Stian Bam); THE CHILDREN AND THE BEES (Jenny Reznek & Mark Fleishman).
EDWIN VAN DER WALT
Head of Growth & Productions
Edwin van der Walt is well known for his work in theatre, film and television. His most recent work was seen on the KykNET TV series "Fraksie" and "Donkerbos" on Showmax, for which he won the award for Best Actor in a Drama. He has been nominated & won multiple awards for many theatre productions. Some of these productions include: Die Fel Omstrede Kroon van Koning Edward II, Terminaal 3, Koningin Lear, Asem, Macbeth Slapeloos and Mirakel. He is also seen in films like Wonderlus, Die Pro, Ballade vir 'n Enkeling, Jagveld and many more. As an entrepreneur, Edwin also created a film, theater and TV educational community - NovieGuide, to uplift and lead the dramatic arts industry forward so it continues to grow and compete comfortably on the world stage.
ANE KOEGELENBERG
Facilitator at La Rochelle Girls’ Primary
As an applied theatre practitioner, I have fulfilled various roles that enriched my practice. I performed in children's productions "Jakkals & Wolf Onbeperk" (KKNK & Woordfees) and "‘n Betowerde Geskiedenis van Jeanne Baret" (KKNK). In 2022, I co-wrote, co-directed, and performed in "‘n Gek vir jou" (Première Theatre Festival, Woordfees, KKNK, Kalfiefees). I also participated in the KKNK’s Karoo Kaarte project and have worked with organizations like Woorde Open Wêrelde (WOW) and Sp(i)eel, facilitating drama-based workshops. Currently, I am studying for a master’s degree at Stellenbosch University Drama Department.
CHRISTIE VAN NIEKERK
Facilitator at Kenridge Primary
I am a performance artist passionate about storytelling and creativity in all its forms. After earning a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies and an honours degree in Theatre Directing, I developed a passion for teaching performance skills and creating theatre with children. I have directed children's theatre such as "Kersvader se besoeker," "Operation Valentine," "Net ‘n Bietjie oor Tandpyn," "Meet the Twits," and "Kosblik," which featured at several festivals in 2023 and will be at KKNK 2024. My recent acting roles include "‘n Gek vir Jou," "Pieces of Her," and "Boetie Boer."
WYNAND FERREIRA
Facilitator
My 13-year journey as an artist and educator includes work as a professional actor, dancer, and performance artist. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Performance from the University of Cape Town. Notable projects include Shakespeare's "All's Well that Ends Well," "Dinge van 'n Kind," "Moffie," and "Die Dors." Over the past 4 years, I have taught Acting and Social Skills Development to international clients aged 6 to 55. I recently spent 6 months in South Korea, teaching Drama and directing a junior production of "Aladdin the Musical." For the past year, I have been a facilitator at NovieKidz, helping students explore and flourish in their creative self-expression.
NICOLA MOERMAN
Facilitator at Paarl Boys’ Primary
I am a dedicated performance artist who thrives on storytelling and embraces creativity whilst teaching. After earning my honours degree in Acting and a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies, I obtained my PGCE in drama and creative arts. My acting accolades include "Keep Needing Me" (short film), "The Day We Didn't Meet" (Showmax), "Catch Me a Killer" (Netflix), and a self-written one-woman show called "The Hem of His Garment." I currently teach English as a Foreign Language online and tutor students in reading and writing skills after school.