The woman charged with the task of judging the Border’s young actors has praised the standard she’s seen this week at Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod.

Melbourne adjudicator Catherine Macleish completed the third of five days of the speech and drama sections on Thursday, where the 12 years and under competitors took to the stage.

Nearby at Albury Entertainment Centre, young dancers continued their efforts in the biggest component of the two-week eisteddfod. The dance sections included junior improvisation solos in tap, neo-classical, contemporary, classical and jazz.

Mrs Macleish, who teaches voice and speech at Loreto Mandeville Hall, said she enjoyed seeing the children gain confidence through their performances.

She noted the strong contingent of boys in the drama sections compared to other places and the overall quality of the performances.

“Definitely they could perform happily on a stage in Melbourne with the eisteddfods and the work that I’ve seen there too,” she said.

“So I think the teachers that are working in this area are doing a fabulous job with the students.”

Her advice to the youngsters was simple.

“Don’t give up, just persist,” Mrs Macleish said.

“This is a competition so occasionally if you don’t get the prizes you’re expecting you could feel disheartened.

“But I’d remind them that this is simply my opinion, it’s not the world’s opinion and that they’re doing a wonderful job and just keep trying.”