• Find a coach who you get along with. Max does his LAMDA lesson's with his drama teacher and they have such a fab relationship. She knows exactly when to push him, and when to let him work it out for himself. She also isn't afraid to tell it like it is and will often tell him when he needs a push as well as when he is smashing it. 
  
  
• Pick two contrasting pieces. You want to show the examiner exactly what you can do. Max picked one sombre, sad piece that could have made the examiner cry, and also a piece that was full of energy and could make the examiner laugh. This meant that the pieces were distinct, different and showed his range.
  
  
• Wear non-distracting clothing. Max went into the exam in some loose shorts (as it was super hot!) and a plain black top with his jazz shoes on. This way the examiner can completely focus on the acting rather than what you look like. 
  
  
• Practice outside. We live in a tiny flat and Max was struggling with both the space for movement and the projection for his voice. We took to the local park, to our car-park and anywhere else we could find that was large and empty to practice that vocal projection. You might look silly for a few minutes, but honestly it worked wonders for us!
  
  
• Say hello, smile and roll your shoulders back. Allow yourself to stand tall, take a moment to breathe and remember that the examiner is just a normal person too. Max's examiner was lovely and had a good joke with Max about one of his pieces. 
  
  
• Don't forget your paperwork! We took two copies of our script and a copy of the marking guide into the exams with us. They allowed the examiner to follow your piece and make sure you are word perfect, whilst also giving them something to mark your piece on!
  
  
• Take time to learn your piece. Not just the script itself, that comes as standard. Have a think about the emotion, the setting, how the character is feeling and why you are playing the piece the way you are. These are all things that the examiner might ask you, so have a think and really embody the character before you start the monologue. 
  
  
• Enjoy it! There is no use you taking all the time to practice the exam only for you to hate it once you are in there. Slow down the pace, take a moment to really enjoy the acting and remember that the results are out of your hand. No matter the result, you have done a fantastic and brave thing to even step into that examination room. 

Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset.

Camping: There is plenty of general camping, that is all family friendly. Alongside this, there are specific area's for boutique, backstage and camper camping to fit the perfect festival holiday for everyone. There is a premium camping area, with allocated spaces for everyone, but the camping is all within walking distance of the arena. Be aware that there are some serious hills that can prove quite tricky in adverse weather! 

Top acts: A night of club nostalgia with Fatboy Slim, the 90's hype of the Vengaboys, and Friendly Fires bringing the guitars to the main stage. For kids, there is the hilarious Andy and the Odd Socks, Mr Tumble and Braniac Live. 

Perfect for families because: Camp Bestival is one of the most popular family festivals in the country. It's a top of the list and the perfect starter festival for those families unsure if festivals are really their thing. With a kids area that spans as big as the rest of the arena, it's full of wonders and fun at every corner. There is something for all ages and it truly does feel fully inclusive from babes in arms to teenagers.  

Top tips: If camping, make sure you are prepared for the hills and valleys. It's definitely a bit of a trek to get back to the campsite if you are camped right near the car park. There are plenty of opportunities to upgrade your camping experience and land yourself closer to the action, but these prices can run high at times. 

Secondly, there is plenty of free activities for kids to do, including abseiling, high ropes and whittling, but these get booked up really early. Be prepared to get to the booking point as soon as the arena opens in the morning to allow your little ones to get a spot to have some fun. 

Finally, bring a wagon/off road buggy etc. It will allow your little ones the time to rest, you will have plenty of storage so you don't have to go to the tent several times a day, and it will allow you the time to dance in the evenings whilst your little ones snooze.

Hidden gems: The Caravanserai is our favourite place to hang out for a few hours. Full of eclectic music, caravans for the kids to explore, and gorgeous cocktails, it's the little gem that packs a punch in the heart of the festival. 

There are many places for little ones to chill out and rest, with play parks and climbing area's for the whole family to just rest and take some time to regroup and plan the next part of their day. Don't be afraid to go down a winding path, hide behind the tree's and find your own part of the festival. 

To read some of our reviews from Camp Bestival please follow the link here: 

Camp Bestival Reviews

Location: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight

Camping: There is plenty of general camping, premium camping and local hotels to stay in. All camping is on the festival site and covers everything from glamping to family camping. 

Top acts: A personal highlight would be the Liam Gallagher, Sam Fender and You Me At Six. This festival covers everything from the 80's through to the present day to appeal to everyone no matter the age!

Perfect for families because: Whilst the family area's are yet to be confirmed, in previous years the festival has been incredibly family friendly and brilliant for little ones along with the not so little ones! Be aware that this isn't a dedicated family festival, so there will be more catered for adults as opposed to other festivals like Camp Bestival and Victorious. 

Top tips: Plan, plan, plan. As mentioned above, this festival isn't necessarily a family festival. There are normally dedicated family camping area's that are more quiet than others, and it's best to position yourself further back from the action to not get caught up in the rush of people heading to see their favourite bands. 

Hidden gems: Definitely check out some of the local acts! There are normally some hidden gems that will quite often hit main stages in years to come.