This performing arts event has grown exceptionally since its introduction into South Africa in October 2004 with two show nights at the Coca-Cola dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.

After three years it is reaching 150 schools with 10 show nights in five provinces nationally.

"The ARA Be Your Best Rock Challenge not only helps to promote a better awareness of issues around drugs and alcohol, it also supports our work to tackle anti-social behaviour," said producer of the event, Andrew Douglas.

The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) continues its support for the second year in a row.

The Rock Challenge, aimed at both primary and secondary schools, requires learners to use the elements of music, costuming, sets, props, make-up, dance and drama to produce a six minute piece of original creativity on stage.

Each performance is based on a theme of the school?s choice and popular themes used previously have centered around the likes of alcohol and substance abuse, HIV/Aids, gender violence and peer pressure.

Provincial education departments selected a total of 150 schools in March including private, independent, government and township schools.

A schools entry can involve between 10 and 140 participants comprising of a maximum of 100 performers, 20 stage crew and 20 support crew.

After many months of rehearsals and hard work learners present their performance to their family and the public of South Africa.

The performances will be staged in some of South Africa?s top venues this year starting in Johannesburg in August at the Coca-Cola Dome running through Durban (ExhibitionCentre), Cape Town (Bellville Velodrome and Khayelitsha Stadium), Bloemfontein (Vista University) and celebrating the last event in Kimberly in September at the Galeshewe stadium.

Top choreographers and state of the art sound and production teams with workshops presented on the day of each event will teach scholars the art of production, arts and culture and the importance of making the best lifestyle choices.

Schools also have the opportunity to rehearse in a professional stage environment that evening.

This event originally began in Sydney, Australia, 25 years ago. Now, it is produced worldwide including New Zealand, Germany, England, Scotland, USA, The United Arab Emirates, Japan and South Africa.

DATES AND VENUES:

Johannesburg, The Coca-Cola Dome
Day 1: Wednesday 23 August 2006, Primary Schools
Day 2: Thursday 24 August 2006, High Schools
Day 3: Friday 25 August 2006, High Schools

Durban, The Durban Exhibition Centre Day 1: Monday 28 August 2006, Primary Schools Day 2: Tuesday 29 August 2006, High Schools

Cape Town, Belville Velodrome Day 1: Tuesday 12 September 2006, Primary Schools Day 2: Wednesday 13 September 2006, High Schools

Cape Town, Khayelitsha Stadium Day 3: Friday 15 September 2006, High Schools

Bloemfontein, Vista University Day 1: Tuesday 19 September 2006, High Schools

Kimberly, Galeshewe Stadium Day 1: Friday 22 September 2006, High Schools