QMU funds student Fringe shows to mark 50 years of drama teaching
Students from Queen Margaret University will be able to showcase their talents at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year thanks to a special anniversary fund which marks the institution’s 50 years of drama.
The Emerging Creatives Fund was established in 2023 to support student opportunities and experiences in extracurricular drama and performance activities.
A £2,500 donation from former QMU Chair of Court, Dr Frances Dow, and a further £2,500 from the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Sir Paul Grice, has funded the full early-bird registration fee for shows that current QMU students are taking to the Festival Fringe this coming summer.
One of the student groups funded, the Mon Espoir Theatre Company, was established by BA (Hons) Drama students, Lukca Best and Gabriela Krumova, who have successfully secured places for two shows at the Festival.
Gabriela said: “The Fringe Festival is a fantastic chance for our team to put our studies into action and express our creative flair. We're determined to create a show that truly reflects our passion and knowledge.
“Beyond the artistic aspect, participating in the festival helps us forge important connections in the field we'll be entering after graduation. It's a practical way to refine our production skills and build a network for our future careers. The festival is a dynamic opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and the professional landscape we're about to step into.”
Co-founder of Dracume Theatre, James Wood, is another student whose show, The Spilling Cup, will be making its debut at The Space at Surgeons Hall for five days in August, as a result of QMU’s Emerging Creatives Fund.
"My aim in co-founding Dracume Theatre was to help other artists and uncover overlooked voices through my work. The Spilling Cup and its upcoming run at the Fringe represents a step forward in artistic quality and professional management. Furthermore, it represents a chance for myself and my peers working on the project to work in a high-pressure environment creating excellent, important work. The team is also considering using this Fringe run as a springboard to grow support for the project and could potentially lead to a small tour with an educational aspect."
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “QMU is committed to helping students reach their full potential and to removing barriers which may stand in their way of achieving their goals. Dr Dow and I don’t want students to miss out on key opportunities, which will help build their skills and experience, due to financial constraints.
“We hope our donation can help our emerging creative talent fulfil some of their ambitions by taking part in the Festival Fringe - a move which may ultimately help drive forward their future careers.”
The Emerging Creatives Fund is just one way that the University is supporting new creative talent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. For the first time, QMU will be running a Festival Village on campus which offers affordable modern accommodation in student residences to hundreds of Fringe participants.
As well as accommodation, participants will have access to an onsite café, free outdoor yoga classes, rehearsal space, printing and wifi facilities, parking and storage, plus Fringe Society services and events for socialising and networking.
QMU is pleased to be working in partnership with the Fringe to help provide solutions to the issue of rising costs and decreasing availability of accommodation in Scotland’s capital.
