Adjudicators

Yasmin Taylor

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Yasmin trained at the Royal Ballet School, graduating with a special prize from Dame Ninette de Valois, and went on to study with Ballet Rambert.


She worked with the National Youth Ballet as an assistant choreographer in their production of the Dolls House at Sadler's Wells Theatre. She then went on to dance with the Dutch National Ballet in their tour of Romeo and Juliet.


Yasmin is now the Principal of a successful dance school in Hampshire and many of her ex-pupils are currently pursuing professional careers in dance. She an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals and All England Dance.


Vivienne Redford

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Vivienne has studied Speech and Drama since the age of four and has been teaching the subject since 1980.


She worked as Head of Speech and Drama at a large independent girls’ school in Bedford for 34 years, and continues to be Principal of the Redford School of Speech and Drama - established in 1982 - which trains children and adults in all aspects of performing arts and communication.


Many of Vivienne’s former students are now working in TV, film and theatre around the world including in major West End productions, at the Globe, the RSC and the National Theatre. Others have gone on to establish successful careers as Directors, Technical specialists and as Teachers of Speech and Drama themselves.


Vivienne regularly produces and directs a diverse range of musical and theatrical productions and particularly enjoys writing and devising theatre with her senior students. For over 25 years, she has organised and directed an acclaimed summer course for students aged 7 to 21, which culminates in a commissioned play written specifically for, and performed by the students who attend each year.


Away from her own school, Vivienne is an Examiner and Team Leader for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and an Adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), travelling extensively throughout the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, and is currently a representative for Speech and Drama on the Adjudicators Council.


She has been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of her extensive work in Speech and Drama, particularly with young people.


Vivienne is a former Secretary and now Vice-President of the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama – one of the oldest and largest Festivals of its kind in the UK – which has given her a clear understanding and insight into the work, energy and commitment that Festival organisers, teachers and pupils put into making their Festivals a success.


When not working (which is a rare occurrence), Vivienne enjoys seeing as much theatre as possible, reading, particularly children’s books, cooking, and spending time with her family.


Vivienne is confident adjudicating both in-person and online Festivals and enjoys having the opportunity to help nurture the talent and enthusiasm of young people as they share their work with her at Festivals across the UK and internationally.