Get to know our adjudicators
Kim Gilbert will be adjudicating poetry, prose and drama classes at WCAF this year. Read on to learn a little bit more about her and to discover why she can empathise with anyone feeling a little nervous about performing at WCAF this year...
Kim Gilbert
BA(Hons), LGSM (Hons), LLAM (Hons), LALAM (Hons), Dip ELS, Cert Ed
Kim originally trained as a professional actress at GSA and also later studied for an LGSM at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She has a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature and Language Studies.
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After acting professionally for many years in a range of TV, voiceover and theatre work, Kim has dedicated the past 35 years to teaching and directing plays and musical productions. Kim also examined for Lamda for a number of years and currently runs her own private drama studio which specialises in developing excellence in all forms of performance and communication skills. Kim has recently compiled and written a range of acting books suited for festival and audition work.
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Kim is a strong supporter of the festival movement. She encourages students to participate at Speech & Drama Festivals as she believes performing at local Festivals provides a vital learning experience for young people whilst also giving them a supportive platform from which to perform.
We caught up with Kim to find out a little more about her:
What are your top tips for preparing for a performance at a festival?
Be prepared and then on the day, just trust your ability and enjoy yourself.
Who is your favourite writer/poet?
I have so many favourite writers and poets. I would have to say Shakespeare is my absolute top favourite and my favourite poet is the American writer, Edna St Vincent Millay.
What is your favourite/funniest/first memory of performing at a festival yourself
In my first performance at a festival, when I was 10 years old, despite having prepared my poem thoroughly, when my name was called out, I decided I was too scared to go up on stage and pretended I was not there! My best friend, however, marched up to the performance space confidently, and won the class. And we are still best friends!
What is your advice for dealing with nerves?
Relax and be prepared. If you are well prepared, the chances are that you are not going to forget your lines and adrenalin will take over and add to the 'specialness' of the performing occasion.
What is your favourite food?
I love all fruit and vegetables and am not very keen on meat.
Where is the most exciting place you have adjudicated?
I adjudicated at the Hong Kong festival last year which was a very different experience and most enjoyable. I also adjudicated at the seaside and the festival was held in a beautiful old Victorian theatre, which I loved.
Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and what is/are their name(s)?
I have a very energetic dog called Luna (which I often say is short for lunatic)! She is a 2 year old cockapoo. She loves all of my students and is preparing for her Gr 8 in barking!
Tell us a little-known fact about yourself...
My ancestors on my mother’s side of the family lived in Antigua, in the Caribbean.
Thanks so much for letting us get to know you a little better, Kim!