Aberdeen Performing Arts has today announced that their director of programming and creative projects, Ben Torrie, has been appointed as the new head of theatre at Creative Scotland.
A long-standing Aberdeen Performing Arts stalwart, Ben will step down from his role at Christmas, before beginning with Creative Scotland in January.
Ben has been with Aberdeen Performing Arts for over 18 years – beginning his career as Sales Manager in the box office and marketing teams, before being appointed Head of Programming in 2010 and most recently Director of Programming and Creative Projects.
Ben’s passion, vision, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Aberdeen Performing Arts and the wider cultural community. For the past fifteen years, Ben has been responsible for the onstage programme at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and the Lemon Tree, bringing countless productions to North-east audiences from blockbuster West End hits to exciting new emerging talent.
He has also led on some of the art organisation’s most ambitious and successful programming and creative work, including establishing festivals such as True North, Granite Noir and Light the Blue, playing a leading role in the major transformation project at the Music Hall, city-wide initiatives including the Wonderland Festival, and leading on the major co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland of Dracula: Mina's Reckoning in 2023.
Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive, Sharon Burgess, said: “Ben’s journey at Aberdeen Performing Arts has been one of creativity, commitment and care — from the box office to Director of Programming and Creative Projects, he has led with vision and heart. His appointment as Head of Theatre at Creative Scotland is richly deserved, and while we will miss him greatly, we are incredibly proud and look forward to continued collaboration in this exciting new chapter.”
Ben said: “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have spent the past eighteen years as part of the extraordinary team at Aberdeen Performing Arts. I have been hugely fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to the story of our three iconic venues, to establish festivals, to create new productions, and to instigate initiatives which have had such a positive impact on our city and its communities. Most importantly, however, has been working alongside the committed, talented and passionate team at APA and I look forward to being able to witness all their future achievements from my new role.”