I have really enjoyed being involved with the Coventry Festival of Speech and Drama. I started out as a competitor in my mid teens. My drama teacher thought that it would give me confidence and it would also be good for me to see other performers in front of an audience. Looking back, I am so very glad that my drama teacher suggested it.

Growing up I was quite shy, never having the confidence to stand up in front of people and although secretly wanting to participate in school drama productions, never having the confidence of doing it. Drama lessons certainly helped but to be able to put my skills into practice was a big turning point for me. I found that I was able to stand up in front of people without making a fool of myself, that the audience appreciated my efforts and even thought that I had done well! I clearly remember the fantastic feeling I had after coming off the stage for the first time, the sense of achievement was tremendous.

This feeling never really changed for me, because although I knew I would be nervous just before the performance (a necessary part of experience I have found) I knew that I had the ability to give a reasonable, if not good, performance. Other competitors just made the (occasional) winning feel even better! As the years passed, I also enjoyed the feeling that I was entertaining the audience, particularly raising a laugh when doing comedy duologues. One performance involved me acting tipsy and spilling peanuts, and people still refer to it now (ten or so years on).

The Festival itself has always been a friendly one. Even before I joined the committee, I found the committee and stewards were friendly, greeting all that came with a smile and encouragement. This probably made my decision to join the committee a great deal easier!

As an adult, I appear confident when dealing with people and standing/talking in front of groups of people, whether at work or socially. The significant influences have been my drama lessons and participating in the Coventry Festival of Speech and Drama.

I teach a drama class once a week, and enter children into the Festival. I see that same pride in their actions and words that I had, after they have performed. So my advice would be that if you have any desire to perform give the festival a go. It is part of the cultural scene of Coventry , it gives you a stage even if you do not want to become a professional actor, it gives you your moment in the spotlight.

Mrs Becky Davidson,

Committee member, former competitor, parent to a performer and teacher of performers.