Emma Thompson takes up patron role The Nanny McPhee and Sense And Sensibility star, who is also a screenwriter and human rights activist, described the studio as "an exciting, high-octane, cutting-edge centre that will attract much of the wealth of talent in Scotland and beyond." He said: "I first met Emma when I was 18 years old at the SYT. She came along to the theatre to hold a Q&A session with SYT students and after listening to her talk about her career in the industry, I felt driven to continue with my career in performing arts which is why I am an acting and theatre performance lecturer today. We are absolutely thrilled to have Emma Thompson as patron as this means that our training at Edinburgh College is truly recognised by the very best in the industry. We look forward to welcoming her to our productions in the college's theatre wherever possible, and we hope to work around her schedule to hold workshops with our students. Emma is an inspirational person, not only because of her many Academy Awards but also because of her work as a human rights ambassador. Her tremendous work on stage and screen gives hope to any young person wishing to pursue a career in the arts and I know that having her as our patron will motivate and inspire our students to reach their full creative potential.