A student from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has launched his own theatre company after being awarded funding from the University.

Harry Jackson, 21, is now Artistic Director for Amplify Time Productions in Edinburgh, where he is in the final year of a BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree at QMU.

A QMU Student Development Award has helped Harry get his project off the ground, as well as supporting 30 fellow students in a classical production at a major theatre venue in Edinburgh.

Amplify is the first independent theatre company to have been set up in the history of the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course at QMU.

Amplify’s ethos is to provide students who are studying within creative industries with opportunities for personal development in a professional setting. This allows students to widen their personal skill sets, get company experience and have an opportunity to show what they can do and market themselves for future work outside of the University and into professional industry.

Commenting on his award and launching Amplify, Harry said: “I cannot put into words my gratitude and thanks to the alumni, friends and supporters of QMU whose donations have made this award possible. Support from QMU has given Amplify Time Productions the opportunity to shine and show off our creative skills and talent.

“QMU has a great reputation for giving quality, intensive actor training that allows you to develop your creative skills and academic knowledge. You also get the opportunity to take part in the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Fringe Festival with a show developed during your course.”

Harry’s company is now based within the Business Innovation Zone at QMU, where he benefits from access to small business start-up support and guidance from the campus-based Business Gateway, as well as QMU’s rehearsal facilities. Harry is now planning to take Amplify to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2018.

Robin Wilson, Lecturer in Acting & Performance at QMU, said: “As a final year student on our Acting for Stage and Screen Programme, Harry is impressive. His boundless curiosity is only matched by his boundless energy. He is an organiser, an enthusiast and a leader. His natural charm enables him to galvanise his classmates and to focus them on ‘getting things done’. He is a pleasure to teach and a fully engaged creative asset to the course.

“For the first time on the Acting for Stage & Screen programme, a student has taken on the task of mounting a fully-fledged theatrical performance out-with the course. The fact that Harry has managed to gain the commitment, trust and enthusiasm of a large number of his fellow students is a tribute to his positive attitude and skills of leadership and communication.

“I’m very sure that everyone participating in the Amplify project will learn a tremendous amount of transferable skills. It is to be commended that Harry and his colleagues have had the initiative and stamina to undertake and sustain this project. I’m certain it will prove an asset to QMU and further enhance the reputation of the University for the high quality of its work.”

For more information on Amplify Time Productions, visit the company’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/AmplifyTheatre or Twitter: @AmplifyTheatre or Instagram: @amplifytheatre

For more information on BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen at QMU, visit:
www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate-study/2018-undergraduate-courses-folder/baba-hons-acting-for-stage-and-screen