Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced the appointment of Clare Maxwell as their new Head of Engage. A highly experienced creative practitioner, director and choreographer, Clare will join the organisation full time from August 2026.

As one of Scotland’s leading cultural organisations, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre are renowned not only for their work on stage, but for the depth and ambition of their engagement with communities across Dundee and beyond. Each year, thousands of people connect with the organisation through classes, workshops and dramatherapy services. Clare’s appointment reinforces this commitment and marks an exciting new chapter, bringing fresh leadership, perspective and momentum to a programme that places creativity, connection and wellbeing at the heart of people’s lives.

Trained in contemporary dance, acting and physical theatre at De Montfort University, Clare has established a multifaceted career across performance, direction and choreography. As a performer, she has worked with leading companies including DV8 Physical Theatre, V TOL Dance Company and Ersatz Contemporary Dance Company, developing a distinctive practice rooted in physical storytelling and expressive, ensemble-driven work.

As a director and choreographer, she has created large scale touring productions for families with Stephen Joseph Theatre and Scarborough Theatre Company. Her work spans contemporary drama and musical theatre, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Mad Forest and Little Shop of Horrors.

In 2024, Clare founded The Brave Project, using movement and creative practice to support positive mental health in young men. The project has since gained national recognition for its impact. She is currently Company Director of inkahoots! and a Movement Tutor at Coventry University Scarborough, where she champions creativity, confidence and collaboration through the arts.

As our new Head of Engage, Clare will lead the development of engagement work across the organisation, building on a strong foundation to further define and embed creative engagement. Working closely with participants, artists and partners, she will support access, wellbeing and creative participation, while nurturing opportunities for emerging artists and ensuring this work is ambitious, inclusive and connected across all areas of the organisation.

Speaking about her appointment, Clare said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the wonderful community at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, where my belief that creative engagement belongs at the heart of artistic life is so clearly shared. Having previously worked here on Queer, A Big, Gay, One Man, Cabaret as part of Rep Stripped Festival, I’m delighted to return and build on those connections. I look forward to collaborating with the whole team.”

Kath M Mainland CBE, Executive Director, and Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep, said: “Working closely with our communities is fundamental to who we are. Clare brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach alongside a wealth of experience, and we’re excited to see how her leadership will support people across Dundee to engage with creativity in ways that feel meaningful and relevant to them. We’re delighted to be welcoming her in August.”

Brian Cox, actor and Patron of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre said: “I started my career at Dundee Rep at the age of 15 in 1961 which was 65 years ago.In 2025 I appeared in James Graham’s ‘Make it Happen’ beautifully directed by Andrew Panton.   

The most extraordinary thing about the ‘Rep’. Is the consistency of standards that has made my home town theatre probably,and I say this in all modesty, the most successful repertory theatre ever in the U.K.And as a born and bred Dundonian makes me as proud as punch.”