Speech & Drama
The speech and drama section comprises two parts; dramatic skills and the spoken word. Most classes are divided into age categories so competitors will be performing with people of a similar age.
There is a variety of verse speaking classes available including
- an own choice favourite poem,
- sonnet speaking,
- comedy poem,
- any choice of poem by a specified author,
- a recent addition is any poem taken from a current GCSE or A Level English Literature syllabus.
- For the younger entrants there is an own choice of two nursery rhymes to be memorised and spoken.
Prose is well represented with
- an own choice comedy prose piece,
- any choice of prepared prose reading from a specified author’s novels,
For the particularly brave or accomplished there are sight reading (poetry or prose) classes and for the actors, solo improvisation and devised acting classes. Exciting stuff and not for the faint hearted!
Actors can also choose from
- solo or duologue acting,
- Shakespearian solo or duologue acting
- group acting
- devised drama
- musical theatre
Each class is adjudicated by a professional, experienced adjudicator who will give advice and encouragement to the whole class and also individual advice to each entrant in an adjudication report. Marks are allocated using the International Federation of Festivals marking system, certificates are awarded to third, second and first places with medals given for third, second and place and in some classes a trophy will be presented for first place.
Speech & Drama Co-ordinator
Steph Heney
After several years of entering her pupils in the festival, drama teacher and Lamda examiner Steph was persuaded onto the committee. It is a decision she has never regretted and one which has given her much satisfaction and pride in belonging to such a worthwhile and joyful event.