Ten years ago, The Craig Centre for Performing Arts opened its doors, transforming creative life at Robert Gordon’s College and giving our pupils a truly inspiring place to perform, rehearse and grow.
Many will remember the sense of anticipation in those early days. Walking into the green room for the first time, it was striking to see the transformation: professional standard dressing rooms, a recording studio, additional practice rooms and of course, the wonderful grand piano at the heart of it all. It was immediately clear that this would be a space in which our pupils at all levels could truly thrive.
Over the past decade, The Craig Centre for Performing Arts has demonstrated that performance is about far more than what happens on stage. It is about nurturing confidence, discovering individual voices and fostering an inclusive environment where every young person is encouraged to participate. Through drama, music, dance, visual arts, technical theatre and sound production, pupils grow not only as performers but as individuals. They develop collaboration, resilience, empathy and a strong sense of self-belief.
There have been countless memorable experiences: the quiet focus before an opening night, the exhilaration of a final bow, the challenges and triumphs of rehearsals, the spontaneous applause and the personal breakthroughs witnessed by those privileged to be in the room. None of this is achieved alone. We remain deeply grateful to the pupils who bring imagination and courage, to colleagues who share their expertise and commitment and to families and the wider community whose continued support enables the arts to flourish.
To mark this significant anniversary, we are presenting a year-long programme of events, including two senior school productions for S1-3 and S4-6, dance shows, competitions and exhibitions.
Our celebrations begin this week with primary 6 pupils leading ‘A celebration of Scotland’ and reprising the very first piece of music performed at the Craig Centre’s opening for HRH the Princess Royal: ‘Silver Darlings/The Northern Lights’ - an ode to our hometown of Aberdeen. The first round of our Young Musician of the Year competition will follow the week after.
On Friday 5th June, as part of our Creative Minds Festival, we will host a special evening to which our extended community of families, alumni and donors are warmly invited. It will be an opportunity to share stories, reflect, and celebrate the Craig Centre’s remarkable journey over the past decade.
The Craig Centre for Performing Arts has always been more than a building. It is a safe and inspiring space where our pupils are encouraged to take risks, grow in confidence and discover their individual talents. As we reflect on ten years, we do so with gratitude to Douglas Craig, Class of ‘67, and his family for their remarkable vision and generosity. We take immense pride in all that has been achieved and look ahead with great excitement for all that is still to come. Here’s to the next decade and to the enduring power of performance!
Whether you're staging a production, hosting a recital, or planning a special event, The Craig Centre for Performing Arts offers a welcoming, fully equipped space and is available for external hire to help bring your creative vision to life.