NEWS: New Amplify Associate appointed and networking platform for theatre-makers set up

The Amplify programme supports artists who are looking to develop their own skills and artistic practice. Becoming an Amplify Associate gives artists – writers, performers, directors – the opportunity to focus on one particular project or aspect of their work. They then create opportunities for other artists in the region to do the same, in a mutually beneficial exchange.

Sophie is an actor, creative and physical theatre specialist, with strong roots in the East Midlands. With over 50 credits within film, theatre, commercial and voice-over work, she brings broad experience to the role. Sophie has continued her professional development through masterclasses with the likes of Frantic Assembly and is also a 250-hour qualified Yoga teacher. Her first self-produced film, Hindsight, will be released this year under her production company In Limbo.

Sophie co-founded the Amplify Actors Collective in 2024 with Rafe Bird and in partnership with Nottingham Playhouse, providing a collaborative, artist-led environment for professional actors from the East Midlands. She produced and created It’s Nott Working in 2024, a new networking event for East Midlands creatives from multiple disciplines.

Beccy D’Souza, Artist Development Producer, said:

“Each Amplify Associate brings their own skills and interests. Sophie is already a key figure in Amplify, having co-created the Actors Collective last year, a new venture that is really thriving, particularly after the relaunch this year.

“Sophie brings ideas, commitment and enthusiasm and has a real desire to invest in both herself as an artist and the wider artistic community, particularly in Nottingham. We’re really pleased to have her on-board. She’s at a relatively early stage in her career and it feels like a good moment for this partnership, through which we are creating an ongoing training provision for professional actors in the region.”

Sophie commented:

“I’m really excited to become an Amplify Associate, with the opportunities it offers to develop my craft personally, but also to lift up fellow artists from the local community. There is so much talent in Amplify, and finding more ways to harness, celebrate and nurture that, is a thrilling prospect.”

Current Amplify Associates include Bridie Squires, poet, playwright, producer and performance artist, and Nathan Ellis, a writer-director and leader of the 2024 Nottingham Playhouse Writers Group.

The Amplify programme now has nearly 900 Members, so Nottingham Playhouse has introduced a new on-line Forum for Members to improve communications. On the forum, Members can directly share and collaborate on ideas and opportunities, access resources and find new networks.

Beccy D’Souza, Artist Develop Producer, added:

“It’s brilliant to see our Membership growing and our reach expanding, but for Amplify to be a true artists network, we needed to find a way that artists could connect with each other without requests, callouts and information needing to come via Nottingham Playhouse.

“The new Forum is a fantastic way in which artists from across the Midlands can share ideas, opportunities and resources and shout about their work in a safe and professionally minded space. I’m excited to see what collaborations, work and connections come out of it.”

Find out more about the Amplify programme.