Ex-actress gives generously

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A former actress has done a good deed by coaching a group of young actors in Mossel Bay at no charge, but simply to contribute to society.

Pauline O'Kelly, who acted in a list of professional productions as long as your arm, did television work and also worked in the United States for 13 years, now owns the company, Global Dynamic Speaking.

Among those she has coached, was late Springbok rugby player Chester Williams. O'Kelly has received glowing reviews from her clients.

Resident in Cape Town, she often visits an elderly family member in Mossel Bay. While in town, she picked up the Mossel Bay Advertiser and read that school-going actress, Zoë Fortuin, was looking for assistance in going to the South African Championships of Performing Arts (SACOPA) in Rustenburg.

O'Kelly says she reads newspapers all the time. She enjoys buying a newspaper, rather than reading news online. "I'm old fashioned; I like to turn a page."

Appealed for help
Mossel Bay talent agent Frieda van der Walt had appealed for help for Zoë. Van der Walt's cellphone number was provided by the Mossel Bay Advertiser.

O'Kelly contacted Van der Walt. "I told Frieda I was keen to do a workshop for her actors. She submitted names to me of some of her clients."

The workshop took place in the week commencing 23 August.

It focused on voice and presentation skills. O'Kelly said: "Everybody gets nervous before a presentation." She said it was important to avoid using a monotone and to pause for effect and put emphasis on certain words, "even when reading the Bible".

She taught the children techniques such as breathing correctly, articulation, using a resonant voice and keeping the audience engaged.

O'Kelly said the children were "so receptive and well mannered".

She said Mossel Bay people were extremely friendly and she could recommend Mossel Bay as a choice destination.

Refine her speech
Besides the workshop, O'Kelly coached Zoë individually three times. She helped Zoë choose her pieces for SACOPA.

Her last one-to-one coaching session with Zoë took place on Monday, 30 August and the rest will happen on Zoom.

O'Kelly told Zoë: "Don't worry about winning the competition. You have to do this for herself."

She said: "Zoë is the most wonderful person. Even if she does not make it to the top, this is a stepping stone."

With regards to offering her services for free, O'Kelly said: "Covid-19 taught me we have to help one another. Every child needs to be given an opportunity to empower themselves with their voice. This could prevent bullying in schools. I am passionate about the power of the voice."

Zoë, who attends Hillcrest Secondary School, said: "I gained a lot of knowledge from the experience and really enjoyed it." She said O'Kelly was "a lovely lady, who can really teach people a lot".

She said she was nervous, meeting O'Kelly, but "she made me feel comfortable".

Zoë, aged 17, would like to become a well-known actress.

Zoë Fortuin and Pauline O'Kelly