The “Africa Rising Stars” Talent Development Program

About the Rising Stars Training Program

The “Rising Stars” Talent Development Program is a transformative, year-long creative journey designed for emerging African creatives. The Africa Rising Stars Talent Development Program offers hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure across four key creative disciplines: Art & Design, Music, Dance, and Theatre.

Whether you’re an aspiring visual artist, storyteller, performer, or sound creator, this program is built to help you discover your voice, refine your skills, and launch your creative career with purpose and confidence. songwriters, and producers.

  • Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
  • Program Starts: August 2025
  • Showcase & Graduation: July 2026
Apply to Join Rising Stars Training Program

Program Overview

 Through hybrid learning (in-person & online), participants will engage in workshops, real-world projects, mentorship sessions, and public showcases designed to turn raw talent into professional creative capability. 

Creative Disciplines

Art & Design

Participants will explore a wide range of visual arts practices, from traditional techniques to modern digital tools. You’ll learn how to translate ideas into visual form, communicate through design, and build a cohesive visual brand.

Music

Whether you're a vocalist, beat-maker, or songwriter, this stream will help you harness your musical abilities with industry tools and knowledge. You’ll work both independently and in collaboration with producers and mentors.

Dance

Explore the movement of storytelling through dance. This discipline blends African traditional styles with contemporary choreography to help you create bold, expressive performances.

Theatre

Discover the power of performance. From acting fundamentals to voice training and script development, you’ll be immersed in the world of storytelling through the stage.

Program Structure

The program runs across 3 terms, each lasting 4 months. Each term is designed to build upon the last, offering a comprehensive creative education experience that evolves with the participant. 

Term 1
Foundations & Creative Identity

In the first term, the focus is on building a strong creative foundation and helping each participant discover their unique artistic voice. 

Focus Areas:

  • Skill Fundamentals: Each discipline dives into core techniques, theory, and tools essential for growth.

  • Creative Confidence: Students experiment with style, form, and expression through hands-on projects.

  • Discipline History & Context: Exposure to African and global influences within each creative field.

  • Collaboration: Students participate in cross-track activities to broaden perspective and team dynamics.

  • Creative Identity Lab: Guided exercises and mentorship to help students define their artistic vision.

Term 2
Skills Expansion

Term 2 is where students begin to refine their craft and apply their knowledge in realistic, project-based scenarios. This is a period of intensive skill-building, where participants push their creative boundaries and gain deeper technical mastery in their chosen discipline. 

Focus Areas:

  • Technique Development: Intermediate–advanced training aligned with each student’s creative track.

  • Creative Projects: Each student works on an original or group-based project, simulating real-world production.

  • Feedback & Mentorship: Peer critiques and one-on-one mentor guidance strengthen both output and process.

  • Creative Thinking: Students are encouraged to problem-solve, innovate, and create for an audience.

  • Collaboration Studio: Cross-discipline collaboration begins (e.g., dancers work with musicians, actors with designers).

Term 3
Specialization & Public Showcase

The final term is a period of artistic culmination and personal expression. Each student will develop an independent capstone project — a performance, portfolio, exhibit, or production — that reflects their growth, creative maturity, and unique artistic perspective. 

Focus Areas:

  • Capstone Project: Each student develops a major personal or collaborative piece (e.g., portfolio, short film, performance, exhibition).

  • Professional Development: Portfolio prep, artist bios, CVs, and industry insight sessions.

  • Showcase Planning: Guided coaching on presentation, storytelling, and performance delivery.

  • Industry Engagement: Feedback from professionals, curated guest critiques, networking support.

  • Legacy: Students are guided to map out their post-program creative path. 

What's Next After Graduating

Upon successfully completing the “Rising Stars” Talent Development Program, graduates will be given exclusive opportunities to join the PortableVoices Talent Agency, where they can further advance their careers with professional representation. This partnership opens up a range of benefits, including:

1

Talent Representation

Graduates will have access to our talent agency, which works to secure professional gigs, auditions, and casting opportunities across film, television, theater, and digital platforms.
2

Career Management

Benefit from personalized career coaching, brand management, and strategic planning to help you navigate the entertainment industry.
3

Exclusive Access to Industry Events

Receive invitations to industry networking events, red carpet premieres, and workshops, providing you with additional exposure and learning opportunities.
4

Collaborative Projects

Be part of high-profile collaborations with other artists and brands represented by PortableVoices, allowing you to expand your portfolio and professional connections.
5

Media and Publicity Support

Enjoy enhanced visibility through our marketing and publicity channels, including featured spots on our digital platforms, podcasts, and social media.

How to Apply

Are you ready to take your talent to the next level? Here’s how you can be part of the “Rising Stars” Talent Development Program:

Fill Out the Online Application Form:

Fill application form and share your artistic journey, background, and creative goals.

Attend an Audition or Interview:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person or virtual audition/interview to assess their potential.

Selection and Enrollment:

Successful applicants will receive an offer to join the program, along with detailed instructions on the next steps.
Apply to Join Rising Stars Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Africa Rising Stars Program is a year-long creative training program by PortableVoices designed to empower emerging talent in Art & Design, Music, Dance, and Theatre through structured learning, mentorship, and real-world creative projects.

Any aspiring or self-taught creative aged 10 and above who is passionate about one of the four creative disciplines (Art & Design, Music, Dance, or Theatre) is welcome to apply. No formal training or academic qualifications are required.

No. Each participant must select one creative discipline to specialize in throughout the year. This ensures deep learning and focused mentorship in your chosen field.

The full-year fee is KES 135,000, payable in full or per term or monthly installments across the three terms. We also offer partial and full scholarships through our Africa Creatives Fund for those in financial need.

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans and need-based scholarships. Applicants can indicate interest in financial support during the application process.

The program runs across three terms (12 months). Each term focuses on a specific stage of creative development:

  • Term 1: Foundations & Creative Identity

  • Term 2: Skills Expansion

  • Term 3: Specialization & Showcase

The program is part-time and hybrid, with evening/weekend in-person sessions and online resources. It’s designed to be flexible and accessible for students, young professionals, and freelance creatives.

Training sessions take place across PortableVoices art centers, partner creative centers, and partner schools, with additional online support and mentorship provided through our digital learning platform.

You need to fill out an application form, share a short personal statement, and optionally submit a sample of your creative work (e.g., sketch, music track, performance clip, or written monologue). 

Graduates leave with a complete creative portfolio or performance project, real-world experience, and industry connections. You’ll also be eligible for alumni opportunities, creative grants, and continued mentorship through the PortableVoices network.