For Alexander Artis, studying Acting and Performance at Queen Margaret University was about more than developing as an actor. It was about finding confidence, creativity, and a collaborative community. Drawn to the course's hands-on approach and impressive list of acting graduates, he embraced every opportunity to explore acting, filmmaking, and playwriting alongside his classmates and lecturers. Since graduating, Alexander has continued to build on those experiences, founding his own theatre company, showcasing original work at the Edinburgh Fringe, and collaborating with fellow QMU graduates across a range of theatre and film projects. As he continues to grow his career as a writer, actor, and director, the creative foundations he built at QMU remain central to his work.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
I auditioned during Covid, so unfortunately I didn’t have access to campus tours, so I had to go off what I could see online. I found that QMU had an impressive list of alumni in Acting and Performance, and in my audition, the lecturers explained (and sold) the course well. In particular, I was interested in the conservatoire-style course, with a healthy balance of Stage and Screen work, which is hard to come by. In addition, I knew that the drama school accreditation was at the time being attained, which I find is a reflection of the talent and skill of the students and graduates of this course.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
This may be the cliché answer, but I found working and collaborating with my fellow students and lecturers the most enjoyable part. Whether it was working out issues as they arose, creating work, I found that throughout the two years, there was always a healthy and nurturing working environment. This has carried on past graduation, as I still see many of them on a regular basis and have been lucky enough to work with them again.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
I found the practical elements, which is almost all of the course, especially enjoyable and challenging. Whether it was the learning and application of acting method, or being asked to make our own films. However, there were two activities that particularly stuck out to me. The first one being my lecturer, Bruce Strachan, taking me through the Meisner Technique before our Traverse Showcase. That method and its application to my work, gripped me and I still use those lessons in performance and practice. The second was one that every student taught by Robin Wilson will remember: the teacups!
How did your lecturers support your learning?
Our lecturers were always available for any issues and concerns we had. They were encouraging and truly wanted us to do and be our best, which was a breath of fresh air. Creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing working environment starts from the top, and they delivered.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
At the beginning, I struggled to adapt to the environment of the course, having feelings of imposter syndrome and generally not applying myself. Thankfully, with the support of my class, lecturers and QMU support, I was able to find my groove and enjoy the experience.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
As with any other university course, it does have its demands. Managing your workload and keeping healthy and active is imperative to how well you will do on this course. Your willingness to collaborate, make compromises and desire to make outstanding work has to be at the forefront of your mind. And if you are on the course, you earned it!
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
Learning to trust myself and my abilities was without a doubt the most important lesson.
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
Since graduating, I set up a theatre company, Deliverance Theatre,to showcase my written work, something I discovered a love for in Ksenija and Dougal's playwriting module. Notably, I have showed my play ‘Goodbye Postie’, which I wrote in that class, twice at the Edinburgh Fringe as well as working with The Gateway Festival - a fantastic festival celebrating and showcasing new writing work, set up by QMU students and graduates. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with StageDoor Entertainment in a production of ‘The Steamie’ for two outings, featuring as the lovable handyman Andy. I’ve also acted in several short films, with one of my own currently in development. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with my former classmate and friend Ben Robert Cunningham on various occasions, including my first outing as a director with Northern Assignment’s production of ‘Boys’ by Ella Hickson. Up next, I have my new play ‘Halfway Home’ at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, which I’m also acting in. I cannot wait to show audiences this story and work with such a talented bunch of artists.
Anything else you’d like to share about life at QMU or as a graduate?
I still miss being a student at QMU and working with everybody. As many actors will know, the cycle of being a part of wonderful productions and going back to the day job, in my case bartending, is cruel, but it’s a reminder that hard work and dedication will eventually bring you where you want to be! You just have to be patient. I tell myself to do one thing everyday to help my career going forward and I stick to it!
