Long-standing arts companies Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have launched a new digital streaming platform with support from Creative Scotland, Dundee City Council and the Scottish Government's Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund.

Rep Studios was created to host productions spanning musicals, dance and folklore performed by the acclaimed twin ensembles, as well as co-productions from smaller companies, some of which will be created specifically for online viewing. An additional 84 Scottish and Scotland-based freelance art professionals have been involved in bringing the first series of performances to life, which celebrate Dundee-specific stories and talent but aim to resonate with audiences from much further afield.

Artistic Director (Dundee Rep) and Joint-Chief Executive Andrew Panton said: 'Using technology in the way we have has of course been a necessity during this global pandemic. When an arts organisation is forced to close its doors but needs to continue to talk to audiences, then digital platforms are the only way. It is that very necessity however, that has given rise to innovation, allowing us to now reach wider and more diverse audiences, offer more accessible content, and explore a range of hybrid artistic forms of output that we simply wouldn't have considered 12 months ago.

Rep Studios therefore gives us the chance to share stories which are firmly rooted in our fantastic, creative city but which speak to the wider world.'

Marking the opening of Rep Studios is a streamable version of Phillip Differ's Smile (16 April - 16 May), the smash-hit play following the life of Dundee United footballing legend, Jim McLean, that attracted huge numbers of new theatre fans to Dundee Rep in its original run.

Other notable Rep Studios performances include: the digital premier of Scottish Dance Theatre's Thin h/as h/air, choreographed by Pauline Torzuoli (29 April); Where are you, Dundee?, a free mini-festival centring around six events by local artists and creatives; and The Life and Times, a live Dundee Rep theatre broadcast directed by Artistic Director and Choreographer Joan Clevillé, starring Scottish Dance Theatre dancers (17 - 18 June).

Joan Clevillé said: 'It is a joy to be able to celebrate the launch of our new digital home with two digital creations. I am thrilled by the artistic possibilities that this new platform will offer us and I cannot wait to reconnect with our audiences in Scotland, the UK and across the world.

Rep Studios will allow us to remain outward looking whilst upholding our commitment to the environment, and exploring more sustainable ways of sharing our work with international audiences. It is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to the journey ahead!'

Having recently celebrated its 80th anniversary 'The Rep', home to the Dundee Rep Ensemble, is the only permanent full-time company of its kind in Scotland, while Scottish Dance Theatre is one of very few full-time dance companies. Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre has performed work for national and international audiences and continues to put Dundee on the map by establishing itself as a UK leader in theatre and dance production.

Find out more about Rep Studios at dundeerep.co.uk