Find out more about FST Team and each member of staff’s specialism.
If you would like to contact any of us, the email format is: firstname.surname@scottishtheatre.org
Anne Nielsen
Operations and Finance Coordinator
Originally from Denmark, Anne joins FST from her most recent role as Business and HR Administrator with an Edinburgh charity and brings with her extensive experience in HR, Finance and Operations. Anne ensures the smooth functioning and financial well-being of FST and using her skills in HR and policy work, Anne will work on implementing and maintaining relevant processes and policies as well as internal systems, aiding the smooth running of the organisation. Anne completed a BA in Language Studies and holds a degree in Translation Studies. Having worked in different areas of the Scottish charity sector, Anne is very excited to a part of the team at FST.
Emily Jackson
Events and Membership Assistant
Emily supports the planning and delivery of FST’s events and member services, coordinating logistics, assisting with communications, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection across the sector. She brings a varied background in theatre, arts administration, and customer service, with experience across fundraising, front-of-house operations, and office coordination roles. Emily holds a BA (Hons) in Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has worked professionally across stage and screen. With experience in both public-facing and behind-the-scenes roles, she is passionate about building inclusive, well-organised spaces where creativity and collaboration can thrive. Emily enjoys being part of the FST team and is committed to supporting Scotland’s performing arts community.
Erin Speirs
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Erin coordinates, co-designs, and implements marketing campaigns across social channels, newsletters and our website – streamlining communication between members, funding bodies, and the organisation. Erin has extensive experience of digital communications within Scotland’s cultural sector, having run digital campaigns for a vast variety of notable Scottish artists, theatres, and creative companies. They received a BFA in Acting and Theatre from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, before going on to gain a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting from Napier University.
Georgia Grainger
Advocacy Lead
Georgia has a background in campaigning, policy, and research. She has led successful environmental campaigns, gained a PhD in History from the University of Strathclyde, and has worked as a researcher at the Scottish Parliament specialising in land reform. As Advocacy Lead, she will be using her research and campaign experience to lead evidence-based engagement on behalf of FST’s members, while building capacity for advocacy within the sector – ensuring the needs of the sector are effectively communicated to decision-makers.
Gill Daniell
Membership and Networks Lead
Gill is the Membership and Network Lead, passionate about boosting diversity and engagement among FST’s members. She’s working to transform the membership model to create stronger connections and foster meaningful involvement. Key areas of focus include developing a solid membership strategy, expanding outreach to new communities, and organising events and networks for collaboration. Gill’s goal is to ensure all members have a great experience and feel supported throughout their journey with FST. Gill has supported a variety of membership organisations throughout her career with a focus on membership, events and communications. She has experience in data management and analysis, event engagement and relationship management.
Kenny McGlashan
Chief Executive
Kenny is a cultural leader with over 20 years’ experience in theatre, education and sector development, driven by a belief in the power of the arts to inspire change. Before joining FST he spent over a decade leading Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, strengthening national networks, securing major funding and championing youth voice, equity and collaboration. He has also worked with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, and co-founded the Children’s and Youth Arts Advocacy collective and the European BUZZ Network. Known for his energy, strategic approach and values-led leadership, Kenny is passionate about building a resilient and connected future for Scotland’s performing arts.
Kirsten Russell
Administration and Finance Assistant
As a lover of all things art and theatre, Kirsten is delighted to be a member of the team here at FST. As the Administration and Finance Assistant, she supports the team to ensure smooth correspondence and communications for the FST membership and strategy, as well as the financial well-being of the company. Kirsten graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a degree in Modern Ballet and has since worked across multiple arts organisations and festivals between Australia and Scotland. With experience in multiple roles across the arts sector, Kirsten is driven by creativity and the chance to help build and support thriving arts spaces and communities.
Youcef Hadjazi
Change Programmes Lead
Youcef leads on the development and delivery of FST’s Change Programmes, supporting sector-wide initiatives that centre equity, care, and sustainability. He is also undertaking a fully funded PhD at Newcastle University, exploring interpretations of gender performance within social spaces in Algeria. Prior to joining FST, Youcef was based in London, working independently as a Creative Producer and with organisations including The Place, the National Trust, and the Crafts Council. He also has a background as a visual artist, with a track record of performances, installations, and exhibitions across the UK and Europe. Passionate about transformative practice, Youcef is excited to support the sector in shaping fairer futures through shared learning, experimentation, and collaboration.