Merriel Halsall-Williams
Merriel is an experienced teacher of English, Drama and Oral Communication Skills in the 8-18years age group. As Examiner and Moderator for the English Speaking Board and Adjudicator, she works in all areas of the UK and overseas. For ten years she was ESB Independent Schools’ Officer, Conference Director, then International Director. In 2009 she was appointed ESB Honorary Vice-President. As well as being an Adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals, Merriel is presently National Administrator of the annual Thomas Cranmer Finals, held in London and Chairman of the Shropshire Festival of Verse and Prose. “I believe that Festivals promote the spoken word and give everyone the opportunity to demonstrate their skills.”
Julie McLoughlin
Julie trained at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, worked in the professional theatre and has full Equity membership. She has a BA Hons in English Literature and Education (OU) and taught for twenty years, first in Buckinghamshire where she was a Senior Moderator for CSE Drama and then in Jersey, where she set up A’ Level Theatre Studies and GCSE Drama courses. She has directed numerous school productions and is an Associate Member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators as well as an Adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals. She also works as a mentor for unemployed teenagers and teaches speech, drama, communication skills and public speaking to children and adults.
Brian Rawlins
Brian trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and obtained a licentiate teacher’s diploma from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Formerly Drama Co-ordinator for Keele University, he has also worked as a lecturer in theatre studies for Keele’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education. Brian has worked as both an actor and a director and for many years specialised in youth theatre work. He is currently Director of the Trentham Shakespeare Company and Chairman of the North Staffordshire Operatic Society. He was a member of the Board of Examiners of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1992 until 2007 and is an adjudicator for The British and International Federation of Festivals.