Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its groundbreaking Dramatherapy service, a unique offering that has provided vital mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of individuals across Tayside and beyond since its inception in 1994. 

This incredible milestone is a testament to the far sightedness and commitment of Dundee City Council and the Dundee Health & Social Care Partnership, and to the many dramatherapists who have led the service since Genevieve Smyth in 1994. 

The Dramatherapy service is the only one of its kind in Scotland and was established with the vision of integrating the healing power of theatre with therapeutic practice. Over the past three decades, the service has become a cornerstone of community wellbeing, offering creative therapeutic interventions to people of all ages and backgrounds. It has helped individuals address emotional, psychological, and social challenges through the use of drama, movement, storytelling, and play in a safe and supportive environment. 

The 30th-anniversary celebrations will see members of the community, including past and present service users, mental health professionals and those in the local arts sector, join together to recognise and celebrate the many achievements of the Dramatherapy service in Dundee & Scotland. However, it will not just be a celebration of the past, it is also a look ahead to the future, as a new family Dramatherapy Service launched this week with funding from the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. 

Michael Duke, Interim Associate Director (Engage) said: 

“I am delighted that this unique service continues to provide vital help in creative and effective ways, for individuals and groups in a range of settings. This couldn’t have been achieved without the continued and invaluable support of Dundee City Council.” 

Liam Sinclair, Executive Director said: 

“Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre’s Dramatherapy service is widely recognised for its person-centred approach and its contribution to mental health supports within the community through a therapeutic role for the arts. Serving our community is of the utmost importance to us. As demand for mental health services continues to grow, the Rep remains committed to playing our part in meeting this need by providing innovative, compassionate care through the creative arts.”