The Gunnedah Speech and Drama Eisteddfod has finished for the year and convener Elizabeth Bell said there was a significant number of entries.
Blossoming talent, confidence building and a love for speech could be found at the town hall and The Civic from Monday to Thursday.
Elizabeth said particularly primary school sections had produced a large number of entries, which was an “excellent problem to have”.
There was support from nearly every primary school in the district, whether that be through group, class or individual sections. Some sections had up to 20 competitors.
“It was amazing to see the local community support what we put on,” she said.
She acknowledged having so many entries would have been no easy feat for teachers who have busy class schedules and parents who have a growing list of extracurricular activities.
“We are extremely grateful to the sponsors, volunteers, parents, school teachers and other personnel,” she said.
“We couldn’t do it without support from all of them,” she said.
“The eisteddfod is a huge tradition in Gunnedah and we are working to keep it well supported.”
This year saw new sections such as improvisation.
Indigenous storytelling had also been added within the last few eisteddfods.
Elizabeth said parents were pleased with the positive and constructive feedback given to children by this year’s adjudicator.
Anita Eldridge has taught speech, drama and communications for more than 35 years, coming to Gunnedah from the Gold Coast to provide assessment of performances.
Anita had mentioned to Elizabeth that GS Kidd School’s performance was a highlight.
As for Elizabeth, there were multiple aspects of the eisteddfod she loved. These were particularly sections where children worked together to create their own pieces along with anything humorous. She also made mention of children who wouldn’t typically give the eisteddfod a go but still choose to do their best.
It was also noted more children were getting involved in group drama sections.
There are multiple reasons as to why children may enter the speech and drama eisteddfod but Elizabeth gave multiple reasons to become involved.
Not only does it help with confidence, she said the younger children start the more likely they are to retain it. For many adults, the idea of speaking to an audience can be terrifying.
Older children who competed this year will soon be in high school where they will be expected to partake in speaking presentations.
