Hello! My name is Amy McKenzie (née Gilmartin), and I am a Glasgow-based theatre maker, producer and researcher with over a decade of experience across the Scottish theatre sector.
I am currently a funded PhD researcher at the University of the West of Scotland in partnership with Stellar Quines Theatre Company. My project - “Relocating Power: Stellar Quines, Feminist Praxis, and the Question of (De)Professionalisation” - explores how this feminist-led theatre organisation challenges traditional ideas of legitimacy, cultural value, and professionalisation. Using Stellar Quines’ recent relocation from Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy as a case study, my research asks what it means to make theatre outside traditional centres of power, and how decentralisation can reshape both community relationships and artistic practice.
Alongside my research, I work as a freelance producer, script reader, dramaturg and director. My practice centres new writing, artist development, and equitable artistic processes. I am particularly interested in the often-invisible labour that underpins theatre-making, and in building structures that allow artists to thrive.
Until early 2026, I was Assistant Producer (Artistic Development) at the National Theatre of Scotland, supporting the development of new work for the stage. Previously, I spent almost six years with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, leading and facilitating projects that supported playwrights at every stage of their careers.
I hold an MA in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management (with distinction) from Queen Margaret University. My dissertation - “Cultivating Playwrights and Plays: Exploring the role of arts managers in supporting playwrights and new writing within Scottish Theatre” - examined the role of arts managers in nurturing playwrights and new work, research that continues to inform both my academic and creative practice.
As a director and dramaturg, I have worked with organisations including the Traverse Theatre, Birds of Paradise Theatre Company, Lung Ha Theatre Company, and Grid Iron Theatre Company. I am drawn to work that reflects the complexities of being human, and I am excited by theatre that is political, cathartic, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
You can read more about my creative practice and some of my directing, dramaturgy, and producing work, as well as my research. You can also download my CV.
I am always interested in hearing from potential collaborators. You can contact me via: amymckenzieprojects@outlook.com