Renowned playwright and CEO of Roverman Productions, Uncle Ebo Whyte, has revealed that when it comes to auditions, passion and determination matter more to him than raw talent.

Sharing insights into his selection process, he explained that the creative industry requires total commitment, not half-hearted effort.

“I don’t need you to come fully prepared. When I hold an audition, I’m looking for passion. I’m looking for the determination to pay any price and to make sacrifices for this, because the creative field isn’t for those who are just dabbling in it. You either immerse yourself in it or get out,” he said.

According to him, talent is not his main criterion, as years of experience have taught him how to shape performers into stars.

“I don’t even look for talent. I wrote and directed my first play in 1975, so I know how to turn anyone into a star. What I can’t do is turn you into a singer. For that, I need you to already know how to sing. At the very least, you must be able to sing better than me, which is a very low bar, so just about everyone qualifies,” he remarked.

For Uncle Ebo Whyte, what matters most is the drive to give one’s all.

“I’m just looking for passion. I’m looking for interest. Someone who says, ‘I really want to do this. I’m not entirely sure whether I can, but I really, really want to try.’ Okay, then let’s give it a go. That’s how I do it,” he emphasised.