News

Updated 13.11.2023

DUNDEE LIVING WAGE ACTION GROUP MEET THE CAST OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a familiar one to many, in which the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a journey of self-reflection with the help of a trio of ghosts and finally comes to learn the value of kindness and generosity.

If this tale were set in contemporary times, it is likely that Mr Scrooge would have been visited by his local Living Wage champions instead, resulting in Bob Cratchit receiving an immediate pay uplift to the Real Living Wage.

On Wednesday 8th November, members of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group did meet Mr Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, in the form of the cast of the Rep’s revival of its critically acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol. In 2021, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre became one of the latest employers in Dundee to pay the real Living Wage. This saw members of their team receive a wage increase to the current rate of £10.90 per hour with an increase to the newly announced £12 rate to follow in the coming months.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director for Dundee Rep Theatre said, “In 2021, just ahead of the premiere of the first production of A Christmas Carol, we were delighted to join over 130 other employers in Dundee who are treating their teams fairly and with dignity.

“One of the key themes of A Christmas Carol is the importance of a wage that allows everyone to enjoy a good quality of life. This is just as prevalent today, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis, and we are proud to be a part of the Living Wage initiative.”

Speaking on behalf of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, convener of Dundee City Council's Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Steven Rome said: "It was lovely to meet the cast and crew of 'A Christmas Carol' and I wish them well for the upcoming run of the show.

"It was great to be with representatives of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group and hear about the impact being a Living Wage accredited employer such as Dundee Rep can have on employees, their employers and the city.

"I would encourage any other business in the city thinking about becoming a Living Wage accredited employer to get in touch with Living Wage Scotland, they are always happy to help.”

Updated 21.09.2023

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: CAST ANNOUNCED

Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan, 2021 

(L-R) Charlie West, Stephanie Cremona, Ann Louise Ross, Ewan Donald, Irene Macdougall, Caitlin Forbes, Emily Winter, Isaac Savage, Benjamin Osugo, Mark Scott 

The magic is back at Dundee Rep this Christmas as the critically acclaimed musical A Christmas Carol returns for the 2023 festive season!

Directed by the Rep’s Artistic Director Andrew Panton, this contemporary interpretation of the ultimate Christmas story sees the return of the many of the original cast members from the 2021 production, including Ewan Donald reprising his role as the iconic character of Scrooge. 

Also returning are Stephanie Cremona, Caitlin Forbes, Irene Macdougall, Benjamin Osugo, Ann Louise Ross, Isaac Savage, Mark Scott and Charlie West. Joining the ensemble cast for this production are Laura Lovemore and Kirsty Findlay. 

Featuring everyone’s favourite characters – from Tiny Tim and Jacob Marley to the Ghost of Christmas Past, this wonderfully witty re-telling of Dickens’ tale of redemption is filled with ghostly thrills and gets the audience involved to help tell the story. 

As rehearsals for the show began this week at the Rep, Andrew Panton said: 
“I’m delighted to be re-assembling this brilliant ensemble cast and welcoming Laura and Kirsty into the company. The production made such a connection and really resonated with audiences when we premiered in 2021. It was with a sense of huge disappointment that we had to finish the run early back then due to lockdown measures, so this is our chance for the show to meet audiences that missed it first time around and those who want to come back again and share the magic. We can’t wait to welcome you back to The Rep”. 

Updated 21.09.2023

COVE PARK & DUNDEE REP ANNOUNCE NEW MUSICAL THEATRE WRITING RESIDENCY AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

A new residency for musical theatre writers, composers, and lyricists from the UK, India and the United States. 

Cove Park and Dundee Rep Theatre are pleased to announce a new residency for musical theatre writers to take place 4-17 March 2024. The Musical Theatre Writing Residency is a two-week international exchange programme for emerging and established book writers, composers, and lyricists from the UK, India, and the United States. At Cove Park, six writing teams will be provided with an immersive and creative space to freely connect, develop, collaborate and create ideas for new music theatre works. This pilot residency is majority-funded as part of the British Council & Creative Scotland Partnership: Connect & Collaborate.

Dundee Rep has long been associated with new musical theatre, notably being the originating producer of new musicals including No Love Songs, Sunshine on Leith, Hi My Name is Ben (with Goodspeed Musicals, Connecticut), A Christmas Carol and Oor Wullie. Development, progression and learning sit at the heart of the organisation placing value on the collaboration and nurture of a diverse range of creative voices at different ages and stages of career. 

Just one hour north of Glasgow, Cove Park is based on an outstanding 50-acre rural site on Scotland’s west coast. Often working in partnership with leading organisations to develop commissions, exhibitions, and international residency exchanges, Cove Park’s residency programme provides professional and creative development opportunities that support research, experimentation, and collaboration. Cove Park provides uniquely designed private accommodation, studios, and workspace to create an inspiring context in which artists can progress ideas, acquire new skills, and develop work for audiences throughout the UK and beyond. 

Partners include Capital Theatres, Citizens Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre, National Centre for the Performing Arts (Mumbai), National Theatre of Scotland, Octopus Theatricals (New York City), Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Traverse Theatre. Associate partners include A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and Tron Theatre. With their rich and varied expertise, the partners will work with Cove Park and Dundee Rep and play a valuable role in this project. Providing mentoring, support and feedback as required during the residency, they will help enrich the writers’ experience. All partners are committed to developing the musical theatre landscape, both in Scotland and further afield.

The residency has been devised by Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre, and will include facilitated sessions with Dramaturg Jeanie O’Hare (formerly Director of New Work Development at The Public Theater), Music Supervisor Nigel Lilley (Next to Normal at Donmar Warehouse, Caroline, or Change on Broadway), Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director of Goodspeed Musicals and David Greig, Artistic Director of Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh.

The programme also includes networking opportunities and workshop sessions, in-person and digital, with industry professionals including writers, composers, producers, directors, and other theatre practitioners – such as Tony® Award-winning director John Doyle, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, Tony® Award-winning producer Rashad V. Chambers, and more. 

Applications to take part in this residency are being accepted from UK-based teams of up to three collaborators who have a musical theatre idea in need of development and would benefit from the residency experience to take it to the next stage in its creation. To apply, individuals or teams must be based in the UK – Cove Park and Dundee Rep are particularly interested in receiving applications from teams based in Scotland. The participating artists from India and the United States will be selected separately through nominations via international partners.

For more information on how to apply, visit the website: Musical Theatre Writing Residency

Deadline: 20 October 2023 at 5pm.

The Musical Theatre Writing Residency is presented by Cove Park and Dundee Rep Theatre in partnership with Capital Theatres, Citizens Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre, National Centre for the Performing Arts – Mumbai, National Theatre of Scotland, Octopus Theatricals – New York City,  Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and Traverse Theatre. Associate partners include A Play, A Pie and a Pint, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Playwrights’ Studio Scotland
and Tron Theatre.

This pilot residency is majority-funded as part of the British Council & Creative Scotland Partnership: Connect & Collaborate.

Updated 28.04.2023

Dundee Rep Theatre’s new production NO LOVE SONGS created by The View’s Kyle Falconer and his partner, Laura Wilde is set to take Edinburgh Fringe by storm as part of Made in Scotland

Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde, Image by Tommy Ga Ken-Wan

Dundee Rep Theatre is delighted to announce that its new production, No Love Songs, is set to receive it’s World Premiere as a part of the dynamic and thrilling Traverse Festival programme., co-directed by Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director, Andrew Panton, and Associate Director Tashi Gore and presented as part of Made in Scotland.

The creative brainchild of the lead singer of Scottish indie band sensation, The View, Kyle Falconer and his partner Laura Wilde, No Love Songs tells the brave and deeply personal story of love, new parenthood and deals with the subject of post-natal depression. This original, new musical follows Lana and Jessie as they learn to navigate the unique challenges of their new lives as parents.

It is now revealed that Dawn Sievewright (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Glasgow Girls) and John McLarnon (My Left Right Foot, Local Hero) will play the characters of Lana and Jessie, joining the fantastic creative team working on this show, including co-writers Johnny McKnight and Laura Wilde, Musical Director and Arranger Gavin Whitworth, Lighting Designer Grant Anderson, Sound Designer Ritchie Young, Set Design Stylist Leila Kalbassi and Costume Design Stylist Cate Mackie.

No Love Songs features hits from Kyle’s 2021 solo album, ‘No Love Songs For Laura’ such as ‘Stress Ball’ and ‘Mother’, reimagined live on stage in this unique and urgent gig theatre show.

This exciting new musical will preview at Dundee Rep this month after a work-in-progress sharing last year as part of Rep Stripped drew raves from audiences. Audiences can book their tickets for the preview performances at Dundee Rep between 13 and 20 May under this link.

The production is presented as part of the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase, a curated showcase of high-quality performance from Scotland at the world’s biggest arts festival – Edinburgh Festival Fringe - made possible by support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund. It is a partnership between Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Scottish Music Centre and Creative Scotland.

Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde said: “As avid festival-goers ourselves, we could not be more excited to take No Love Songs to the Fringe, it’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment for us to be included in the most famous festival in the world – it’s exactly what we hoped for No Love Songs. Especially being Scottish, it feels amazing to be able to take it from Dundee to Edinburgh and to give us that platform to reach a worldwide audience. We are really proud of the whole team involved and we cannot wait to open at this year’s festival!”

Dundee Rep is thrilled to also be collaborating with the Traverse Theatre on THE GRAND OLD OPERA HOUSE HOTEL, an exciting new co-production that will be presented on the Traverse stage between 4 and 27 August before transferring to Dundee Rep this autumn. Featuring a large ensemble, this mainstage production is the crown jewel in Traverse’s 60th year, brought to the festival audiences by the team responsible for hits such as Pride and Prejudice* Sort Of and Kidnapped.

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director, Dundee Rep, said: “We’re very excited to be partnering with the Traverse on two new shows for Travfest ‘23. Both use music and song to tell stories in new and innovative ways, dealing with important and urgent themes. I’m delighted that we’re collaborating with and showcasing the work of these extraordinarily talented artists at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.”

Updated 28.04.2023

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre announce a packed season of theatre, dance, and music for 2023, featuring the return of their smash-hit production of A Christmas Carol

The magic’s back at Dundee Rep this Christmas! 

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre are delighted to announce full details of the programme of shows heading to the Rep stage throughout 2023, including the return of their critically acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol.  These titles join an already exciting season of shows premiering this year including an upcoming limited preview run of No Love Songs, a new piece of gig-theatre from Laura Wilde and Johnny McKnight with songs by The View’s Kyle Falconer.

Dundee Rep’s magically awe-inspiring adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns this festive season.  This bold re-imagining of the classic story drew raves from audiences and critics alike when it was first performed in 2021, being hailed as a reminder of “theatre’s limitless possibilities” (The Times) and “the kind of magic that can only be conjured in the theatre” (The Stage).  The show is set to cast its magic again this December.

Brought to life by a cast of 11 actor-musicians, the production will be realised under the direction of Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director, Andrew Panton. Featuring original songs by award-winning musical theatre writing duo, Noisemaker, this new production seamlessly blends the lyricism of Dickens’ storytelling in ways that feel quintessentially Scottish, whilst still retaining the universal appeal of its story.

Dundee Rep Artistic Director Andrew Panton said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be bringing our production back to the Rep stage. We were all devastated to have to close our initial run early due to lockdown and now’s the chance for us to relive the magic we loved sharing with our audiences.”

This summer, Scottish Dance Theatre will be swapping the stage for the streets, fields and public buildings of Dundee and Angus in Chapter 3 of Every Map Has a Scale. Travelling by foot, bike or public transport, the dancers will pop up across the region to surprise passers-by, celebrate our everyday life and the people we share it with. 

An integral part of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre’s much-loved Engage programme, BOOST Festival will once again be showcasing a range of workshops and performances produced by the hard work and artistic exploration of Engage programme’s weekly classes and groups. Also making a return is Scottish Dance Theatre’s choreographic showcase, SPUTNIK, where dancers from the company are set to share their own works in a celebration of homegrown talent.  This showcase is dedicated to championing new voices in dance, by providing a space for experimentation and creative risk-taking. 

Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Joan Clevillé said: “This season I am delighted to present a programme of works connecting with local communities and celebrating the creative talent of our dancers. I can’t wait to see what they create!”

Dundee Rep is also delighted to be welcoming a variety of visiting productions during this year’s season, including British Youth Music Theatre’s inaugural Dundee performance with The Naughty Carriage on the Orphan Train; Totentanz, an imaginative new show from Shotput which blends live theatre with community photography; and Dundee favourite The Berries by Gary Robertson.

The timeless messages of A Christmas Carol reminds us about the importance of community.  Dundee Rep is proud to be continuing the spirit of this story with a special initiative that will use any donations provided by audiences to cover the cost of special access tickets to A Christmas Carol. Tickets will be distributed through a network of organisations working with disadvantaged families throughout Dundee.

Tickets are now on sale for Friends of Dundee Rep and those entitled to priority booking, before opening to all customers on Thursday 4th May.

Updated 24.03.2023

Cast announced for Dundee Rep Theatre’s bold re-imagining of

The Vagina Monologues

Friday 21 April - Saturday 29 April 2023

Written by Eve Ensler
Directed by Irene Macdougall

Updated 16.03.2023

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre announce an exciting new programme of productions, including a brand new musical - NO LOVE SONGS, co-written by Kyle Falconer of The View

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre are delighted to today announce three new shows that will be heading to the Rep stage later this year.

The creative brainchild of Kyle Falconer (lead singer of The View) and Laura Wilde, No Love Songs (13 – 20 May) is a brave and deeply personal new piece of gig theatre. Covering topics that are rarely dealt with on stage, such as post-natal depression, this original new musical follows Lana and Jesse as they learn to navigate the unique challenges of their new lives as parents. Co-directed by Dundee Rep’s Artistic Director, Andrew Panton and Associate Director, Tashi Gore, the piece is co-written by Johnny McKnight and Laura Wilde. No Love Songs features hits from Kyle’s latest solo album, ‘No Love Songs For Laura’ such as ‘Stress Ball’ and ‘Mother’ performed live on stage by the company. This exciting new piece of gig theatre will finally open on the Dundee Rep stage after a work-in-progress sharing last year as part of new works festival, Rep Stripped which received an amazing response from audiences.

Andrew Panton and Tashi Gore, co-directors of No Love Songs said: “It’s a great privilege to bring No Love Songs to the Rep stage. It’s been an exciting and rewarding process developing a piece that uses music and song to deal with rarely discussed themes. We’re looking forward to sharing this hugely funny and moving show with our audiences.”

Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde, co-writers of No Love Songs said: “We are both ecstatic for No Love Songs to come to Dundee Rep. Starting years ago with just an initial concept, to now finally seeing the production come together with a killer creative team, has been a dream come true. We can’t wait to share it with audiences and spread awareness about a subject close to our hearts, inspired by our own lived experiences. It really will be a “pinch me” moment watching the show come to life on stage and we hope audiences take something away from it.” 

Award-winning Broadway and West End smash-hit The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler arrives this spring in a new version from Dundee Rep Theatre (21 – 29 April), that is set to reimagine this important work in a bold and exciting fashion.  This new production is directed by Irene Macdougall, who’s previous directing work for Dundee Rep includes The 39 Steps and Much Ado About Nothing. Irene recently directed Write-Off for A Play, A Pie and A Pint.

This exciting revival of the contemporary cult classic delves into the mystery, humour, and tears buried in authentic lived experiences. The Vagina Monologues is a hilarious, raw, and emotional celebration of sexuality, liberation, and the vagina. With unfiltered honesty and unapologetic candour, it’s more than just a show – it’s a movement.

Pirates!, an exciting new work for young audiences and families from Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Joan Clevillé will be having its World Premiere from 13 – 17 June. Following best friends Tom and Daisy, the show is a swashbuckling adventure that is sure to wow audiences of all ages.  Featuring a playful mix of dance, theatre and storytelling, the show will be a joyous dance adventure exploring the themes of difference, friendship and the power of imagination. This exciting new production boasts original music from Luke Sutherland and a full company of dancers from Scottish Dance Theatre.

Joan Clevillé, Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre said: "As Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre, I am delighted to be creating my first work for family audiences here at Dundee Rep. Already in rehearsals, I can feel how dynamic and playful this new show is going to be! An opportunity to celebrate the creative energy of the pirates of our imagination, and to share the joy of dance with children of all ages. I can’t wait for the journey to begin!"

Tickets for all of these shows go on public sale from Friday 17th March with priority booking open from Wednesday 15th March. All preview tickets for No Love Songs will be available to book for £15. 

These shows join an already stacked list of shows announced for 2023 which includes ground-breaking new theatre from visiting companies with shows like When Darkness Falls alongside those from Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre team, including the heart-warming Old Boy that is set to showcase the bond shared between grandfathers and grandsons. The show opens on the Rep stage later this month and is devised and performed by a local cast of men and boys from Dundee.

Updated 27.01.2023

REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR UK TOUR OF POPULAR GHOST STORY: WHEN DARKNESS FALLS

BASED ON TRUE EVENTS, WHEN DARKNESS FALLS IS A SPINE-CHILLING GHOST STORY THAT DELIVERS A TWISTED, TERRIFYING AND GRIPPING TALE THAT WILL “LEAVE YOU COWERING IN YOUR SEAT.” (THE GUARDIAN)

Paul Morrissey, Christopher Wheeler and Molly Morris are pleased to share the rehearsal images for the UK Tour of When Darkness Falls. 

When Darkness Falls, written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey, will premiere on Wednesday 9 February 2023 at London's Richmond Theatre.

James Milton, the pseudonym of popular historian James Bulgin, who is recently known for his BBC Two documentary How the Holocaust Began, and acclaimed playwright Paul Morrissey’s powerful production of When Darkness Falls is inspired by true events.

This chilling theatrical production takes you into the dark pasts of the bewitching island of Guernsey. Through sharing tales from its turbulent history, including World War Two and the Great Storm of 1987, When Darkness Falls reveals disturbing truths and asks the question: what really is a ghost? 

Remember, these are just stories … aren’t they?

When Darkness Falls will continue a UK tour, visiting Poole, Mold, Salford, Exeter, Dundee, Windsor, Bromley, Leicester, Oxford and closing at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on Saturday 29th April 2023. 

West End star Tony Timberlake and Thomas Dennis will co-star in the UK Tour of When Darkness Falls.

Tony Timberlake will play the role of John Blondel. Timberlake has recently appeared UK tour of Maggie May and in the world-famous The Mousetrap. Previous West End credits include Hairspray, Chicago, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Les Misérables.

Thomas Dennis will play the role of The Speaker. Dennis has recently appeared in Max Webster’s Henry V at the Donmar Warehouse. Prior to that, he played the roles of Albert in the UK Tour War Horse and Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher, to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history. 

As the young expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth. Our own stories. And our own ghosts that haunt us. Ghosts that bring the past, present and future together in unexpected ways. 

Are you brave enough to face your fears? When Darkness Falls, the haunting hair-raising tale, is on sale now. 

Updated 24.01.2023

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre kick off 2023 with a slate of exciting new shows in Spring Season announcement

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre are kicking off the new year in style with a packed announcement of new shows that will be gracing their stage this year.  These new productions join the exciting range of shows already on sale including Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre productions such as Smile, Old Boy, Thin H/as H/air & The Flock, as well as other shows including National Theatre of Scotland’s productions of Dracula and Dear Billy, and the 70th anniversary touring production of The Mousetrap. 

This year’s spring season brings a slate of boundary pushing and thought-provoking new work to Dundee.  Pain and I, a new audio experience available from 04 – 19 March, is a bold exploration into chronic pain experience by Sarah Hopfinger which unashamedly celebrates the rich complexities of living with pain.  Running from 21 March – 25 March is When Darkness Falls, a brand-new spine-chilling ghost story from the minds of James Milton and Paul Morrissey, that delivers a truly twisted and thrilling tale inspired by true events.  Audiences can also look forward to a free performance of The Third Sister, a creepy, mysterious and funny new tale that is sure to delight fans of Inside No. 9.

Fresh from the stage of the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, hit-show Moorcroft heads to Dundee Rep Theatre on 27 – 28 October, a show with true friendship and the tenacity of working class people at its heart that tackles toxic masculinity and asks, “what is a real man?”.  Following the runaway success of their last production, Dundee Youth Music Theatre returns to the Rep with their take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein Classic, Oklahoma.

This year’s Spring season also has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, with Fireman Sam and his gang returning to Dundee Rep on 06 April in Fireman Sam: Sam Saves The Circus, an all-singing, all-dancing, action-packed ride where anyone can become a fire cadet. 

Beyond the borders of theatre, this season also promises treats for fans of live comedy and music. Scottish Musical national treasure, Dougie Mclean will be bringing his inimitable folk stylings to Dundee Rep on 15 April with a new show that is sure to include a rousing rendition of his iconic song, Caledonia. Stalwart of the Scottish comedy circuit, Craig Hill returns to Dundee Rep with his new show, I Always Knew I Had it In Me!. 

After receiving plaudits from the likes of Frank Skinner, Ane City comes to Dundee Rep on Thursday 13 April as part of ‘Dundee Week’.  A coming-of-age, one-woman, comedy that blends spoken word, stand-up comedy and live music to create a contemporary story about a young, working-class woman searching for her place in life.  Also forming part of that week’s celebrations is Icebreaker Comedy, Dundee’s premier comedy institution dedicated to highlighting new comedic talent, which takes over the Rep stage on Friday 14 April.

Tickets for all of these shows go on public sale from 11am on Tuesday 24 January.

Executive Director & Joint-Chief Executive Liam Sinclair said: “We are hugely excited for audiences to experience the amazing range of shows coming to Dundee Rep over the next few months.  From live comedy to groundbreaking audio theatre, as well as the latest offerings from National Theatre of Scotland alongside recent productions from Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.  It’s only the tip of the iceberg though, and we can’t wait to reveal what else audiences can look forward to in the near future.”

Updated 13.01.2023

Bridie Gane selected as the Choreographer Placement Artist with Scottish Dance Theatre

Dance Base and Scottish Dance are thrilled to announce that Bridie Gane has been selected as the Choreographer Placement Artist with Scottish Dance Theatre.

In this new collaboration, Dance Base & Scottish Dance Theatre will join together to support a local artist with the opportunity to undertake a week of research and experimentation with the full Scottish Dance Theatre company with no expected outcome. This opportunity will support them to gain experience of working within a repertory company context, and to research and develop ideas in the studio with multiple dancers in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.   

Bridie Gane was chosen from an open call process and will spend one week working with the company, drawing on her ongoing research into the work by textile designer Bernat Klein.

In January she will undertake three preparation days with the company ahead of joining them in the studio for the Creative Week in February 2023.

Joan Clevillé, Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Dance Base on this placement, and the opportunity to continue to nurture our relationships with the independent dance ecology in Scotland. I am particularly thrilled to be welcoming Bridie Gane into the studio. Her sophisticated wit and visual and choreographic language are highly distinctive, and the company are really excited to get to know her artistic practice!”

Kirsty Somerville, Head of Professional Programme at Dance Base said: “Dance Base is so pleased to have been able to work with Scottish Dance Theatre to create this Choreographer Placement role and to welcome Bridie Gane into this position. Bridie has a clear artistic voice and creative style and we are excited for the fresh perspective she will bring to the company, and for how the experience of working in a rep company context will impact her work moving forward.”

Bridie Gane said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in this unique opportunity from Dance Base and Scottish Dance Theatre. Through this week I will draw on my previous engagement with the life of Bernat Klein, his textiles and the larger legacy of Tweed production in Scotland. I am hugely excited to work with such dynamic and versatile dancers and discover more about the inner workings of Scotland’s leading dance repertory company.”

Updated 16.12.2022

Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Announce New Dance Artist

After learning his trade at The Space Dundee and training at the London Contemporary Dance School, Scotsman John Ross is returning to Dundee as a Dance Artist with Scottish Dance Theatre. 

He has worked extensively as a choreographer and performer across the UK with companies such as Gecko Dance Theatre, Royal Opera House, Trinity Laban, and many more and has won various awards throughout his career.

John said, "I'm beyond excited to be joining Scottish Dance Theatre as their Dance Artist! Scottish Dance Theatre was the first dance company I ever saw and it was always a dream for me to be involved with the company that inspired me to become a dancer. It feels wonderful having that full circle feeling coming back to Dundee, my hometown, after all that I have experienced to hopefully now be the one that could inspire someone. 

I initially started my training at The Space Dundee College on the Acting Course before training as a Dancer. As a student, I was fortunate to be given opportunities to perform with one of Dundee's local companies 'Shaper/Caper' led by Artistic Director Thomas Small. Thomas was a wonderful mentor and inspired me to push myself further. Upon graduating from London Contemporary Dance School in 2011 and being in the Dance Industry, I returned over different periods to work with the company on 3 separate projects as a professional. 

Over the last 10 years, I was invited back to The Space to create choreography for the Final year students over 4 separate projects and taught all year groups morning technique classes. Relocating back to Scotland this past September, I was appointed the college's part-time lecturer in Release and Contact Improvisation."

Associate Director (Engage) Jess Thorpe said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome John Ross as the new Dance Artist as part of our Engage team at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. He is a really exciting practitioner with a lot of experience both internationally and locally making new choreography in a wide range of contexts. We feel sure he will bring a great deal of energy and ideas to our community in Dundee and look forward to all we will work on together”

Updated 14.12.2022

Love Dance Scotland | Artist Bursaries

Citymoves Dance Agency, Dance Base Scotland, Dance North, Dundee Rep & Scottish Dance Theatre, Tramway Glasgow and The Work Room are pleased to announce their collaboration on a programme of Artist Bursaries. The three bursaries will provide three Scotland-based artists with a fee of £6,000 to support them to continue their artistic work while forming a deeper connection with one or more of the partner organisations across Scotland. 

If you are reading this and wondering if it is for you then please do read on - and if you have any questions, need some assistance with your application, or have any access requirements that we need to meet, then our team are here to help! Please just contact Kirsty Somerville on [email protected] to arrange a time to speak. 

The last 2 years have had a profound impact on the arts sector with the performance and creative landscape suddenly closing down, and then reopening with a new set of challenges. As we look forward to the next 12-18 months the world around us still feels uncertain and unsteady, both for artists and organisations, and the need to work collectively and collaboratively is more urgent than ever.  

It is with this focus that the Love Dance Scotland network now expands to gladly welcome Dance North and The Work Room alongside Citymoves Dance Agency, Dance Base Scotland, Dundee Rep & Scottish Dance Theatre and Tramway Glasgow, to pool their funding from the Creative Scotland Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations along with their own resources to provide a programme of artist bursaries. 

The aim of these bursaries is to support three dance artists with the funds, infrastructure and support to continue their work as dance artists and for them to use this period to form a deeper connection with the partner organisations. Our hope is that this will continue the development of innovative creative practice in Scotland while also strengthening the wider ecology of Scotland’s dance sector. 

The bursaries will run from March 2023 and we anticipate that they will be spread over a period of four to six months, though shorter or longer periods of engagement are welcome.  

The exact form and structure that the bursary activity takes will be directed by the artist and supported by the organisations. We anticipate that it will involve a combination of some or all of the following elements: 

Artistic creation: Continuing to develop artistic and creative project work with regular dedicated time. This could be spent researching, developing ideas in the studio, applying to funders and/or connecting with collaborators, with support from the partners. 

Building sector connections: Spending focused time with one or more of the partner organisations to join in conversation, share knowledge, build connections and widen understanding for both the artist and the organisations. This may include attending planning meetings and/or shadowing team members across the management and artistic roles. 

Community engagement: Engaging with the wider community through a regular period of research or engagement to aid your personal practice and research. This could be by connecting with a specific group via one of the organisations or continuing to work with a community with whom you are already engaged. 

Personal development: Taking time and space to focus on active reflection, potentially through a series of coaching sessions. We understand that the nature of the arts sector often provides little room for personal reflection and you may choose to use part of the bursary to prioritise a space for deeper thinking (the partners can support with connection to coaches). 

Professional development: Taking time and space to focus on training, upskilling, mentoring and/or attending relevant performances or events.  

The focus and structure of each placement will be defined and led by the artist according to their area of interest and while the bursary period should involve a combination of the above elements, the different areas of activity do not need to relate to the same project. 

This bursary is not about creating or commissioning new work or projects, but rather on supporting artists to continue the work that they are doing as artists, while providing the resources, funds and networks for them to form a deeper connection with the dance organisations across Scotland. 

During the bursary, each artist will be supported by a dedicated member of the partner organisations team.  

What the Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursaries will provide: 

The Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursaries have a total budget of £23,000 with £18,000 being allocated directly to artists. This will support three bursaries of £6,000 each.  

The remaining £5,000 will be used to support access, travel and accommodation requirements for each artist (as required). 

Each artist will receive a bursary of £6,000 to be used from March 2023. The artist will manage their budget and timeline according to their interests and needs, and we ask that this is detailed in the budget document at application. We anticipate that the majority of the bursary will support the artists own time, with the remaining used towards project development and provision of professional and personal development. 

As an example, the budget breakdown may be: 

£3400 for your personal artist fee (to cover the daily work of an artist and time with the organisations, this is based on a day a week for 4 months at £200 a day) 

£1600 for a project budget (to cover items such as a weekly residency fee, studio hire or collaborators fees etc.) 

£1000 for professional and/or personal development (to cover support such as mentoring, training, event attendance or coaching etc.) 

In addition, the bursaries will be accompanied by:  

A separate travel and accommodation budget to support travel to the partner organisations. Travel and accommodation for other elements of the bursary activity such as attendance at an event or training opportunity should be covered by the bursary fee, though additional support will be available for artists based beyond the central belt if needed. 

A separate budget to support any access requirements the artist may have.  

Alongside the financial support, each organisation can also provide access to the following resources, with studio space subject to availability and staff engagement subject to capacity. We ask that you identify what you will require from the organisations as part of your application. 

Citymoves Dance Agency: engagement with their staff team, studio space in Aberdeen, hot desking space in Aberdeen, connection with their community groups 

Dance North: engagement with staff team with tailored practical support and direct support from Creative Lead, facilitated engagement with communities & dance groups in the North East, hot-desking opportunities in Findhorn  

Dance Base: engagement with their staff team, studio space in Edinburgh, hot desking space in Edinburgh, connection with their in-house dance companies 

Dundee Rep & Scottish Dance Theatre: engagement with their staff team, shadowing experience with the Artistic Director, Rehearsal Director or Choreographers, participation in company class, observation of rehearsals, connection with their community groups and hot-desking in Dundee 

Tramway & The Work Room (working together): engagement with their staff teams at both organisations, hot-desking in Glasgow, studio space 

Budget to Support Access Requirements: 

The Love Dance Scotland Partners are committed to ensuring that all artists can engage with this placement and 10% of our overall budget (£2,300) will be ringfenced to support access requirements for artists selected. 

In order to help our Producing team anticipate the budget spend we ask that you identify potential costs in your budget in the section provided. This information will NOT have any impact on the panel's decision and any associated costs or adjustments will be discussed with the successful applicant(s) after the decision is made. The partner organisations will endeavour to provide the support required and this will be agreed in conversation between the Artist and the partners once the bursaries are offered. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact Kirsty Somerville, Head of Professional Programme at Dance Base, on [email protected]   

Black and POC Artists (people of colour): 

The Love Dance Scotland Partners recognise that there are significant barriers to working in the dance sector and that these challenges are experienced more acutely by those facing marginalisation and deep-rooted systemic injustice.  

We are committed to increasing the diversity of artists working in our sector and especially welcome applications from those who identify as having characteristics currently under-represented in our sector. 

As part of our on-going commitment to support artists who have this lived experience and ensuring that we support the full vibrancy of the dance sector in Scotland, we guarantee that at least one of the awards will be made to an artist who identifies as a Black or POC artist (people of colour). This is a minimum but not a limit.    

Artists are invited to identify if they are part of this community in the application form and this will be brought into the decision making as the bursaries are allocated.  

Who the Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursaries are for: 

The Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursaries are for Artists who: 

Are predominantly based in Scotland  

Work in dance and choreographic practices. Formal dance or choreographic training is not a requirement. 

Are working at a professional level and are at any stage of their career 

Are interested in connecting with one or more of the partner organisations through conversation and knowledge sharing 

The Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursaries are not open to:  

Artists who are predominantly based outside of Scotland  

Artists who are in full time academic study 

How to apply:  

To apply applicants will be invited to complete and submit the following items:  

An Online Application Form: The online application can be completed in a written or video/audio recording format. The form details word count and recording duration. Visual quality, camera and editing skills will not be taken into consideration for filmed submissions, and spelling and grammar will not form part of the consideration of written applications. 

The form will ask: 

How would you like to use the Love Dance Scotland Artist Bursary and what do you hope to achieve during this time? (max. 800 words / 6 minutes) 

What support do you require from one of more of the Love Dance Scotland partners? (max. 600 words / 4 minutes) 

What is your anticipated timeline at this stage? (max. 300 words / 2 minutes) 

Is there anything that you want us to know that we haven’t asked (max. 300 words / 2 minutes) 

Please also provide a link to more information about your practice - this could be a CV, personal statement or a link to your website. You will receive a copy of your application once you have submitted and edits can be made up until the deadline. 

A Bursary Budget: The budget should detail how you anticipate using the £6,000 bursary. Please use the template provided and attach this to your application form. 

Timeline: 

Launch: Wednesday 14th December 

Deadline: Wednesday 1st February 2023, 11:00am 

Panel meet: Thursday 9th February 2023 

Artists Informed: Thursday 16th February 2023 

Placements commence from: March 2023 

Selection Criteria: 

The selection process will have two stages. Firstly, all applications will be read by representatives from the partner organisations to confirm whether the scope of the application is manageable and that they can support accordingly.  

The applications will then be read, discussed and selected by a panel of 3-4 practicing artists from across Scotland, meaning that the final decision on the allocation of the bursaries will be made by artists rather than the partner organisations. All applicants will be informed of who the panel members are once their application is received so that they can alert us to any conflict of interests. 

The artist panel will base their decision on a range of factors including: 

The information provided in the application and how this gives a sense of the artists aims and ambitions 

How the artists will use, and ultimately benefit from, the time, support and resources provided 

Whether the scope of the placement is realistic and manageable in the time frame that the artist has identified, and the resources available 

Whether the organisations can provide the support requested 

The geographic spread of the bursaries 

The diversity of voices represented through the bursaries 

Should you wish to have a conversation about the application process, require this information in an alternative format, or have access requirements we need to meet to support you in making an application please contact: Kirsty Somerville, Head of Professional Programme at Dance Base on [email protected].

Download and listen to an Audio Description of the above opportunity.

Updated 12.12.2022

Dundee Rep’s Smile ushers in a new era of theatre experience

Commissioned by The Space and Creative Scotland, Dundee Rep are teaming up with innovative Scottish production company Neon8 to present a virtual reality (VR) experience of the Rep’s smash-hit, Smile, charting the story of Dundee United manager Jim McLean written by Philip Differ and directed by Sally Reid.

Following a successful sharing of Smile with a live audience pre-pandemic and a multi-camera 2D filmed version in 2020/21, this will be a truly unique and immersive sharing of the show for audiences around the world which will also support a run of the show on the Dundee Rep stage between 18 February and 11 March 2023.

Available from 23 February 2023 to global audiences, the VR experience of Smile will be presented on Box Office VR, a unique VR player and no-subscription based platform developed by Neon8 and partners specifically for the arts industry to experiment with. The player provides a place where audiences who may not otherwise get to see certain shows, can experience a unique, immersive, 3D version of a production without leaving their house. VR film gives audiences that sense of being within the space. Furthermore, the experience is 180° (VR180) which means spectators do not need to be stood up or on a swivel-chair to look behind them as all the action happens right in front of them. Just like in a theatre. It is a gentle, passive, seated experience meaning those with limited mobility can also partake. Just recently, Neon8 won The Innovation Award at the prestigious Creative Edinburgh Awards for Box Office VR.

The Box Office VR experience supports mobile phone VR (iOS & Android), meaning a low-cost threshold for beginner experiences – all they need is a mobile phone and a simple mobile headset available from various retailers for around £25 which can be then used for watching more VR video content across other available mobile VR platforms.

Liam Sinclair, Executive Director and Joint CEO at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre said: “We are so excited to be collaborating with Neon8 on creating this experience for audiences. Over the past two years Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have embraced digital innovation as a way of creating new forms and points of access for our audiences. In September we were delighted to have won the Digital Innovation Award at the Dundee and Angus Chambers of Commerce Awards, and so launching Smile VR into the world builds on that momentum.”

Neon8 is a small, powerhouse of a production company, run by husband-and-wife team, Kelman and Gemma Greig-Kicks. For the last 9 years they have been producing high quality, creative video content across the third sector, performing arts and technology industries with the last 2 years seeing them enter the world of immersive content and Virtual Reality. Focusing mainly on VR180 film, Neon8 have been working particularly with theatre producers and venues to help navigate this relatively new medium, highlighting the benefits from a creative point of view, but also how they may develop audiences who might not come to the theatre usually or who simply cannot due to challenges of geography, disability, cost.

In December 2021,