Nicholas Barnard(II)

Nicho Barnard is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his dynamic work as an actor, singer, director, and producer. Born Johannes Nicholas Barnard, in Welkom, South Africa, Nicho's passion for the performing arts was evident from a young age. By the time he was 10, he had already begun making waves in local singing competitions, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Nicho's early achievements in the arts include winning multiple singing competitions, such as *Idols Junior*, *Vocalique*, and *The Young One's* where his vocal prowess gained widespread recognition. His early theatrical work saw him take on lead roles in significant stage productions, including the musical "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" where he starred as Cogsworth, the sci-fi musical "Little Shop of Horrors" as Seymour and the hit role as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray". These roles not only highlighted his acting and singing talents but also his ability to captivate audiences with his on-stage presence.

After exploring a brief stint in aviation, where he accumulated 70 hours of flight training, Nicho realized his true calling was in the arts. This led him to study event management and vocal performance, earning a Grade 8 (Level 3) Diploma in Singing from Rock School in the UK and a Musical Theatre Productions Diploma from Trinity College, London. His commitment to the craft culminated in his directorial debut with the theatre production "Fame" at just 16 years old, earning him bragging rights as one of the youngest theatrical directors in South Africa.

In 2016, Nicho founded Nightlight Productions, a film production company that quickly made its mark in the film industry. His short films, "Play Me" and "A Glass Half Full," garnered critical acclaim, with the latter winning several local awards and securing U.S. distribution on cable TV in 2020. Other projects under the helm of Nightlight Productions included a featurette "The Defining Moment" and two major Reality / Docuseries TV Shows on Cable TV. Nicho's ability to juggle multiple roles-as a director, producer, writer, and actor-has earned him a reputation for versatility and excellence.

Building on his success, Nicho founded the South African Film, Acting & Theatre Academy (SAFATA) in 2017, an internationally accredited performing arts institution. Under his leadership, SAFATA has become a premier training ground for aspiring actors, singers, and performers in South Africa, with Nicho personally mentoring many students. His commitment to education is further exemplified by his involvement in creating and hosting the reality TV series "Talent Africa The Series," which aired on Mindset TV and showcased emerging talent from across the country. Nicho was also a radio talk show host for 2 years which was later turned into a 1-Season TV Talk Show on Cable.

Nicho's contributions to the industry extend beyond South Africa. He has served as an Associate Producer & Assistant Director on international feature films, such as the sci-fi thriller "The Construct," and worked on the romantic comedy "Crazy Fun in Serbia." His expertise also led him to a leadership role as a Youth Ambassador for South Africa at the United Nations Youth Conference in Bangkok, where he represented his country on a global stage for arts, media & tourism.

In 2020, Nicho relocated to London, where he continued to expand his career. He co-directed and produced the short film "A Clouded Mind," and served as an Assistant Director on the children's sci-fi feature film "Superkids," shot in both Serbia and the UK. He also became the Co-Owner and Creative Director of a theatre school in the UK, further solidifying his influence in the performing arts.

Despite his international endeavors, Nicho remains deeply connected to his roots in South Africa, maintaining his role as CEO of SAFATA and continuing to mentor the next generation of performers whilst taking on the hat as the City Producer for the Johannesburg 48 Hour Film Project (An International Global Phenomenal) where he helped shape a platform for filmmakers to take their dreams to screens. His work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to nurturing talent, and a passion for storytelling that resonates across cultures and continents.

Nicho Barnard's journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication, making him a significant figure in the entertainment industry. His story is one of continuous growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the arts.