Who is Judi Billcliff?
Actress
Drama teacher
Performance Poet
Writer/author
Director
Adjudicator
MC
Guest Speaker
Duffy Books In Homes Role Model
Runner up in National Children's Poetry Competition, and published in a special collection of Kiwi poems 'Sweet As.'
2021 the poem 'Stolen Oasis' was selected for a Kiwi anthology published by Landing Press Wellington.
Short version about Judi - I'm a crazy nut who loves to laugh and make others laugh. Kids are awesome, adults are okay.......sometimes! I dance badly around the house to music. I tease my grandchildren, and talk to unsuspecting strangers while people watching. I play hide and seek with Rosie the dog in the house, and did I say I'm nuts!
If you want to know more about Judi's life then read on:-
I was born in Auckland, quite a few years ago now, and am the 4th child of Fred and Alma Bell. I have an older brother Fred, and 2 older sisters, Raewyn and Margaret. They think I was spoilt because I was the baby. I think if I did get special treatment it's simply because I was cuter than them, and better behaved.
As a child I learnt the piano and ballet, and used to compete in performing arts festivals around the North Island. When I was 10, I entered the speech and drama section as well. It was crazy, as we'd race from one venue to the next. But I remember loving performing, especially when it was over, as I'd get so nervous I'd feel sick, then speak as fast as an express train. But in spite of that, I was hooked. When I was 13, I knew that drama and acting was my one true love.
I then got serious with my acting, doing both exams and competitions until I was 18. I went as far as my ATCL practical. ATCL = Associate of the Trinity College of London, which sounds rather posh. A great accomplishment was achieving the highest mark in New Zealand for one of my grade exams, I must've smiled sweetly. See, I told you I was cute.
When I was 19 I began teaching drama, mainly cousins and neighbours, in Mum and Dad's spare room. It was then I discovered a love of teaching children, and combined with drama, I knew that was going to be my future.
I moved to Te Kuiti in 1977, and by then was married with 2 young children so life was pretty busy. This was where my acting and drama teaching took off. I joined Te Kuiti Repertory and my first stage role there was in 'Tomb With A View.' There was no turning back, acting was in my blood. Over the years I established my own performing arts school, and taught hundreds of children, both in schools, and at home. I'm still in touch with many of them, and love seeing where life has taken them. I got heavily involved in both playing and teaching Theatresports, and improvisation, (called improv) soon became a passion. It was in Te Kuiti that I tried my hand at directing several revues and pantomimes. It was interesting being on the other side of the stage, but it was great seeing a show come together.
I was employed at Te Kuiti Primary for five years running the oral language programme and drama classes. I worked with a diverse group of children, all of whom I enjoyed helping improve their language skills. This work gave me an insight into what works for children.
Over the years I have attended many 'speech' contests. I'd often think what a shame that so many young speakers weren't having the chance to work to their potential, so offered schools my help. This now keeps me busy during speech 'season.' I've been involved with Lions International's Young Speechmaker Of The Year judging at regional and district level for about 6 years. In 2016 I was honoured to be asked to judge the Nationals, which means New Zealand now has it's very own 'Judge Judi.'
I became involved with the Te Awamutu Society of the Performing Arts annual drama festival in 1982. I tried moving towns, but that didn't work as I'm still there helping out. My own children have all performed there, and helped behind the scenes in later years. My oldest daughter now brings her own drama students to compete. Les and I get to watch our grandchildren showing off their talents.
It was as a teacher that I began writing. Looking for plays or that perfect poem, and not finding what I wanted. It was time to get the pen and paper out - yes this was before computers if you can believe that - and I developed a new talent, writing. As of today I've published my 7th children's poetry book, the latest being in collaboration with awesome N.Z. illustrator Deb Hinde. I've also published numerous poetry based teacher resources. I've written stage plays for children (some with a panto feel and great for school productions) one adult comedy, and one Christmas panto, idea for theatre companies. Seeing my characters come alive on stage is magical.
We all need others to look to for inspiration. For me personally, Joy Cowley's stories have always made me look at life from a different perspective. Years ago I attended a David Hill writing workshop, and he told me I needed to pursue a career in writing. Being someone who always does what I'm told (hahaha) I did just that. My dream became a reality when my first book 'Granny Does The Boogey,' was published in September 2013.
In April 2014, I was asked to be a role model for Duffy Books In Homes, and what a blessing that has been for both myself and Les. The good news is that they've kept me on. I love sharing the 'reading and achieving are cool' message. This work has now led me into offering poetry performances for primary schools, giving me a chance to inspire and engage thousands of children throughout the country. I always love to hear from kids telling me they like my poetry. They inspire me to keep going.
I now spend my weeks out and about in schools doing poetry performances, working with dedicated teachers and amazing kids, and using drama and poetry to inspire and engage.
I'd love to hear from you.
JUDI
Drama Queen
[email protected]
mobile:- 027 531 5381
Facebook Rainbow Poetry NZ Kids
Twitter @JudiRainbow