Life as an Examiner: An interview with Wendy Florence

What did you do before becoming a NEW ERA ACADEMY Examiner?

 I come from a performance background and have been passionate about teaching speech and drama skills for many years as well as directing children’s shows and running a stage school and finding a little time to perform too.  

What do you do outside of being an Examiner?

I am passionate about teaching both NEA and LAMDA syllabi and currently work in London in private schools as well as running my own private practice.

How long have you examined with NEW ERA ACADEMY?

Five years

Why did you want to be a LAMDA Examiner?

Since I took exams myself, I always admired my own teacher and the desire to examine always remained as I am passionate about the effects a Performance or Communications Exam can have on a learner’s confidence and communication skills, whatever their choice of career path.

Where have you examined with NEW ERA ACADEMY? 

The UK, France and Hong Kong so far!

What advice would you give leaners preparing for a LAMDA Exam?

Use any feelings of nervousness as positive energy and ENJOY performing. You’ve worked hard. Go for it! I am always in excited anticipation for every single candidate coming through the exam door . 

What is your favourite Shakespearean poem, play or sonnet?

I have many favourites but one of them is Rosalind from As You Like It. I love her strength as a woman and my favourite poem is Ode to Autumn by John Keats which makes me cry every time I read it.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Cornwall and Greece.

What three books are on your bookshelf or TV shows are stored on your playlist?

Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, Matilda the Musical and Shakespeare’s Sonnets and a lot of classical and contemporary texts are on my shelves. My guilty pleasure, at the moment, is Emmerdale!