Interview with James Miller —
BA (Hons) Drama and Performance*
About you
“I am from East Kilbride and in Year Four
of the Drama and Performance degree.
“My weeks are often chaotic, I fill my free
time with as much activity as possible. I
enjoy long walks around the old town
and going to pubs with my friends. Many
of my evenings are spent at the theatre.
I’m a member of Creative Electric, a
company for young artists to create
contemporary pieces of theatre.”
How did you come to choose this
course and why QMU?
“The Drama and Performance course is
unique in Scotland: no other university
offers a course which provides such a
broad knowledge of theatre. From the
origins of theatre, the evolution of both
British and Scottish theatre to
contemporary performance techniques,
the course offers a stable knowledge in
several aspects both practical and
theoretical. Lecturers know by first-hand
experience how the industry works and
strive to push you in a professional
manner. The broad range of modules
teach performers, stage-managers,
technical, directors and everything
inbetween the skills necessary for their
craft by lecturers who have done exactly
what you want to become and offer
knowledge to help you advance in that
field.”
Why did you choose to study in
Edinburgh/Scotland?
“I’d like to say I didn’t choose Edinburgh,
it chose me. It is such a beautiful city and
I was so lucky to be given the
opportunity to study here.”
Life in Edinburgh
“My favourite thing about living in
Edinburgh is exploring. I live right in the
heart of the old town and love going out
on walks and peering down old closes
and visiting old buildings. Edinburgh has
such a rich history and it’s hard not to
walk around in amazement at its beauty.
One of my favourite places is Greyfriars
Kirkyard. On a hot summer day, when
the Meadows is packed this is where I
go to relax. It has a super view of the
castle! It’s also fun to watch all the Harry
Potter fans trying to find Tom Riddle’s
grave.”
The course
“I attended an open day and getting to
meet the course lecturers made my mind
up for me. They were able to answer all
of my concerns and were extremely
welcoming and friendly.
“To pick a single highlight would be far
too hard. One highlight for me has been
the artistic freedom that the course
offers. Students are able to let
themselves go and really be free when
creating performance. I’ve spent days
rolling around in fields, covered in glitter,
learning how to fight on stage, dancing
— you name it and I have probably done
it on this course. I’ve met fellow students
and now friends that I know I will work
with outwith university, putting to practice
the skills I have acquired.”
Any advice for students who might
be interested in this course?
“If you are unsure of what part of the
theatre you want to be a part of, apply.
Even if you are decided on becoming a
performer or director, apply. I came to
QMU solely as a performer and have
since worked professionally as a
production manager at a top Fringe
production, I have performed at both the
Fringe and other festivals, my arts
journalism reviews have appeared on a
professional website… I’m still a
performer, but now I have the
transferable skills to go anywhere in the
industry. The course has made me
employable in an industry that is so
difficult to get started in. If you have a
passion for theatre and a determination
to succeed then this course is for you.”
Life as a student at QMU
“I was a member of Cobweb Theatre
Company/Society and in 2014/15 I was
elected Vice-Chair of the society.
Cobweb make theatre