Maxwell Dent

Max Dent (he/they) is an incoming MA student at the University of Toronto, supported by a SSHRC Canadian Graduate Scholarship. He recently completed an Honours BA in Drama in Education and Community with a Concentration in Applied Theatre, as well as a Bachelor of Education, at the University of Windsor.

Max’s work explores the intersection of education, applied theatre, and community engagement. Their applied theatre experience includes facilitating a professional development workshop for elementary educators on inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ pedagogy through puppetry and storytelling, and assistant directing and co-performing in a production for adults with disabilities. Beyond theatre, Max has experience in disability support work, youth leadership, community recreation, and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy.

Their current research interests are how theatre and play can foster community, support identity formation, enhance communication and emotional expression, and build lasting relationships—particularly within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and among adults with disabilities.