Cally Foster

Since her first appearance in a festival at the age of five Cally has been committed to the festival movement and has pursued a career as a speech and drama specialist.  She was the principal of her Buckinghamshire based drama studio for more than 20 years, combining that role with travelling extensively in the UK, Europe and Internationally as an Examiner for LAMDA and as an Adjudicator.  Cally also delivers workshops on all aspects of communication and performance and is on various Speakers’ Panels. She is an Adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals, a Speech & Drama Representative on the Adjudicators Council and a former Chairman of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama.

Cally believes that performing in festivals not only encourages an appreciation of the Arts, but also develops the communication and presentation skills so important in today’s increasingly electronic world. Cally is delighted to be returning to the Isle of Wight to adjudicate the Speech & Drama classes at the Festival in 2023 and wishes everyone an enjoyable as well as a positive experience.

Rebecca Thompson BA (Hons), LLAM (Hons)

On graduating from Bristol University with a degree in Drama and English, Rebecca worked for BBC Radio 4’s Drama Department.  After further journalism and corporate work, Rebecca studied for her Licentiate Teacher’s Diploma and has been teaching Speech and Drama privately and in schools for over twenty-five years.  Additionally a voice and presentation skills coach in the region, she has taught in private and state schools, colleges and businesses; in addition, she facilitates communication training in schools across the country.  Rebecca has been actively involved in theatre in the South West, both performing and directing, and is also an adjudicator for the Rose Bowl Awards for Amateur Drama and Music.

Rebecca is passionate about helping young people to develop their communication and performance skills through festivals, and she is delighted to be adjudicating at the Isle of Wight Music, Drama and Dance Festival for the first time.