Experience

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  Freelance writer; self employed

  Jan 1994 - now

  Writer

  Shika has been writing since she could hold a pen in her hand. It comes after many school and varsity plays which set the foundation for her finding her writing voice.Shika writes her own material for stage both comedy and drama.Her 1st One Woman Theatre Show Shika-Land was received with great success across South Africa.She has penned the script Hindrance with husband and fellow writer Dhaveshan Govender.Shika penned the sell out show Aya's Boy which is a local romantic comedy stage play.Most recently, Shika has published her debut novel AIYO RAMA WEDDING DRAMA.Shika writes digital content e.g. blogs, articles, landing pages, social media, etc. She assists various companies, big and small with their copy from short-form to long-form. She is Hubspot certified, so that her experience is backed by current industry-trends and practices in writing for the digital space. She is able to bring her extensive experience to proposals and applications, as well as any creative writing task from plays, novels, short stories, poems, TV or film scripts, included.Shika is a storyteller, with experience and qualifications in creative writing and copywriting. Show less

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  Various educational institutions

  Jan 2005 - now

  Drama coach / teacher / tutor

  Shika has coached and tutored drama to children from the ages of 16months to 40years+, in the following institutions:*2005 Shika tutored 2nd year drama students in Acting at The University of Kwa Zulu Natal*2006-2007 Shika taught for Center Stage Studios under Sally Ann Garioch in the following schools:Glenwood PrepGlenwood PrimaryAssumptions pre schoolMothergoose Pre SchoolMontessori Primary Sunflower SchoolHoly FamilyPenzance Primary*2008-2009Primary Drama coach at Saint Anthony's Primary School*2007-presentShika provides voice classes for those in ther entertainment as well as corporate world voice and spech clases to improve the quality of their voice in performance and public speaking, all ages and class groups or individual.*Shika was a tutor at the Drama Department at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal, tutoring students in acting technique Show less

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  Freelancer

  Feb 2005 - now

  Actress (drama)

  *Macbeth (2005)- roles of Witch and Lady MacDuff, Shakespearean produced by The Playhouse Company & The Actors Co-Operative directed by Garth Anderson staged Playhouse, Hilton, Richards Bay. She was nominated for best female newcomer at the Durban Theatre Awards in her honours year at varsity for her performance in this production.*To House (2006)- staged at the Playhouse Drama, lead role of Kajol, produced by A Singh in association with the Playhouse Company directed by Caroline Smart.*Spice 'n Stuff (2007 & 2010)-kitchen sink drama, Lead role of Rita in2007- written by A Singh staged at The Catalina Theatre, directed by Caroline Smart.2010-produced by Catalina Unlimited and Directed by Themi Venturas. She received a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama at the Durban Theatre Awards for her performance in this show.*Shika-land! (2011 and 2013)-a one-women-show written produced and performed by Shika, staged across the country. It debuted at The Musho International Theatre Festival 2011 at The Catalina Theatre, went on to be staged at the South African Womens Arts Festival 2011 at the Playhouse, also staged the the 'I heart Durban Theatre festival' 2011. Shika-Land! Also had a short run at The Catalina Theatre as part of a double-bill: Shika and The King, alongside Dhaveshan Govender in King of Old Trafford. Dhaveshan Govender directs Shika-Land!This critically acclaimed show also ran at The National Arts Festival 2012. Shika-Land! received nominations at the Durban Theatre Awards for Best South African Script, as well as Best StrictlySolo Performance, and Best Actress in a Drama. Shika-Land! is currently running at womens events and private functions throughout South Africa. *Twelve (2012), premiered at The National Arts Festival 2012, and went on to be staged at The Musho International Festival 2013, produced and written by award winning writer Dhaveshan Govender. Shika played various roles alongside, the critically acclaimed Mpume Mthombeni. Show less

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  Artsmart

  Dec 2006 - Jan 2013

  Arts reviewer

  Shika has reviewed many theatre productions in multiple venues in Durban as well as at The National Arts Festival and The Musho International Theatre Festival since 2008. See www.artsmart.co.za or. www.mushotheatrefestival.co.za for details and full reviews by Shika.

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  Sabc

  Dec 2006 - Jan 2012

  Professional voice artist (radio acting)

  PERFORMED IN:*Kismet Court by Rajesh Gopie*Hitch Switch by Roger Service*Grandasia Lodge by Ashwin Singh*Blue Alert by Shireen Ramdhani*The Waiting Room by Sans Moonsamy*Muti by Hamish Kyd*Spice and Stuff by Ashwin Singh*Chase by Pranesh Maharaj*A Touch of Karma by Vivian Moodley*All for Justice*Paradise Inc. by Anjali Kirpalani*The Palace by Hamish Kyd*Tuckshop by Pranesh Maharaj*Salty Towers by Kayon Dixon*Second Chance by Ruben Naidoo*Cup Fever by Dhaveshan Govender*Lollipoop Lane by Clinton Mariass van Niekerk*Shika is a trained Voice Coach, helping performers and professionals to bring the best out of their voices and improve speech patterns. *Shika has taught many years of Drama and acting technique to students aged 16months to 50 years+ Show less

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  Various production companies

  Jan 2007 - now

  Actress (film and tv)

  Shika takes the role of Priscilla Jana in KALUSHI a South African feature film about Solomon Mahlangu directed by Mandla Walter Dube. (released in cinemas March 2017).Shika was seen in Leon Schusters hilarious film PAY BACK THE MONEY produced by Gray Hofmeyer. (2015)Shika has been seen in two of production go company Valo Pictures short films 'HELPING HAND' and 'THE DANCER'. (2014 and 2015)Shika portrayed the political hero Fatima Meer in a documentary for Al-Jazeera. (2009)Shika appeared in One Wedding and a Funeral written by Upasana Beharee and directed by James Brown. (2008)Shika took a role in the SABC 1 series BAY OF PLENTY alongside Kaseran Pillay. (2007)Shika was seen in a cameo role in SABC 2's SNAKE PARK 2. Shika was seen in the latest season of 90 PLEIN STREET on SABC 2, taking the role of the Hard News Presenter. Show less

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  Various entertainment houses

  Nov 2008 - Nov 2013

  Actress ( musical theatre and dance drama)

  *Devil in Disguise (2008)-musical comedy, lead comedy actress / female lead singer, staged at Suncoast Casino and Golden Horse Casino, as well as various private events around KZN, produced by Enact.*Jimbo (2009)-musical, staged at the Playhouse Drama, role: background dancer and actress, produced by Hamish Kyd and The Playhouse Company.*Sunghursh (2010)-Dance extravaganza as part of the South African Womens Arts Festival, staged at the Playhouse Opera, Lead Actress produced by The Playhouse Company*Oh Golly Its Bolly (2013), staged at The Globe Theatre at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, lead comedy actress role, produced by Jayesperi Moopen from the Tribangi Dance Academy and directed by Ivor Jones. Show less

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  Various corporate companies

  Jan 2009 - now

  Shika had been cast and seen in various forms of corporate videos and theatre, some include Boxers Superstore, Knorr, Eskom, Telkom SA amongst others... Shika's voice has been heard on tv, radio and private sectors, for adverts promotions and specials for the following companys:Golden CloudDecorex DurbanOcean BasketLead SAIsidingo Telkom DstvDStv IndianMnetShowmaxCredit Guarantee... amongst others...Shika is currently the principal female Voice Over Artist for SABC 2's long running DEAFTv.

  • Actress (Corporate Theatre and Corporate Video)

    Jan 2007 - now

  • Professional Voice Over Artist

    Jan 2009 - now
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  Various entertainment companies throughout south africa

  Dec 2010 - now

  Producer and actress (theatre and film)

  *Aya's Boy (2013- present)- taking on the role of writer, actress, and producer for this sold-out popular comedy show, showcasing local Indian comedy in a cultural context. Toured the country in partnership with ZK Productions.* Miss Marshmellow's Rainbow Surprise (2019-present)- A children's theatre show written, produced, and performed by Shika Budhoo. *Shika-land! (2011-present) Shika's one-women show where she produced the show alongside husband, Dhaveshan Govender.* Hindrance (2013) - produced by Shika Budhoo and Dhaveshan Govender, this local film was written, produced, and edited by the couple. Shika took on the role of line producers as well, organizing schedules and communicating with cast and crew. *Beswitched (2012) - staged at The Catalina Theatre, lead role and co-writer, workshopped production, collaboration between Shika and Durban singer (now Australian-based) Sandy Bigara.*Funny Girls (2012)- a stand up comedy event, staged at the BAT centre, Shika head-lined alongside other Durban female comediennes, produced by Masood Boomguard.*What You Laughing At? (2012)- a skit comedy, staged at The Catalina Theatre, lead comedy actress role as well as producer alongside Dhaveshan Govender. *The Ladies of Lollipop Lane, staged at The iZulu Theatre, Sibaya, as lead actress role of Mrs. Singh Song (April 2014) and producer on the marketing and staging. *New Suburbia (2008)- a skit comedy show, staged at the Catalina Theatre and Sibaya Casino, lead comedy actress role, produced by Hamish Kyd, ASingh and Dhaveshan Govender.*The Looney Lahnee Show (2009) - various lead female comedy roles, staged at Suncoast Casino and Catalina Theatre, skit-comedy show, produced by A.Singh and Dhaveshan Govender. Show less

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  Various educational institutions and venues

  Dec 2010 - now

  Actress (childrens theatre)

  *The Fantastical Flea Circus (2010-2012), childrens theatre piece, staged across KZN at The Catalina Theatre, various schools, The Hilton Arts Festival, lead role of The Duchess).*i-Puppeti (2012), premeired at The Musho International Theatre Festival in 2012, and had a successful run at The Catalina Theatre in March, the ran at The Hilton Arts Festival 2012, produced by Dizzy Dragonfly, Shika takes a lead role alongside award winning international actress Mpume Mthombeni. *Animal Tails II (2012), staged at The Catalina Theatre, actress, produced by Paw Paw Productions, directed by Sandy Bigara.*THE REVEALERS, an anti-bullying play that travelled to government schools in Gauteng and Pretoria, produced by The National Children's Theatre, directed by Francois Theron (2014) Show less

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  Various entertainment production companies.

  Jan 2012 - now

  Standup comedian

  Shika has kept audiences laughing with her comedy at the *KWV Indian Comedy Tour.*Funny Girls at The Bat Centre.* Mervyn Pillay's All Girl Comedy Jam. *Shades Of India Festival at Monte Casino*Stekkies Comedy Jam at Krakatoa*Prof Gopals Stand Up Comedy Show*Karou Charous Comedy Showcase : Durban TakeoverThese are some of the place you may have seen her 'family funny' set as well as her adult comedy respectively.

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  Various entertainment companiea

  Jun 2012 - Nov 2013

  Director

  *Budhoo directed King of Old Trafford which made its comeback at the National Arts Festival 2012.*Shika co-wrote and co-directed alongside future husband, Dhaveshan Govender, on a feature film, titled: Hindrance, in which she takes a leading role alongside Durban actors Mariam and Mpume Mthombeni in this local horror. Follow @Hindrance_movie on Twitter, for updates on this project.*The Children of The Sands- written by Pieter Scholtz directed by Shika Budhoo, co-directed by Dhaveshan Govender, at the Witbank Civic Theatre. (2013) Show less

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  Dnafit

  May 2019 - Nov 2019

  Content writer / copywriter

  Writing creative, well-polished persuasive copy for various digital mediums with high skill as well as being proactive, creative, deadline driven, detailed-orientated, all with journalistic intrigue. Experience in blogging, content strategy, proofreading, editing short-form and long-form content.

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  Language online

  Jun 2020 - now

  Writing tutor
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  Smarthinking, inc.

  Jun 2020 - Aug 2022

  Online writing tutor

  Via local company, Language Online, this involved marking up essays to help University students write better - across subjects, level of degree, content, and length. This included providing guidance on content development, organization, main idea, grammar, punctuation, word choice and all things writing.

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  Business and arts south africa

  Feb 2021 - Jul 2022

  Program facilitator
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  First group za

  Aug 2022 - Jan 2024

  Copywriter and content editor
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  Megazone bollywood

  Dec 2023 - Sept 2024

  Radio show host