Craig still remembers his time at Clydebank fondly, and credits his success to the encouragement of his lecturers there.
“I had a brilliant time at Clydebank – the lecturers were so enthusiastic, they really helped me achieve my potential. The course taught what was needed for a career in the industry, and even with all I’ve gone on to do, it still holds some of my best memories."
Since graduating from College Craig has worked on a range of theatre productions, quickly progressing to Head of Wigs and Make-Up with companies across the UK.
“While still at College I worked with Scottish Opera, and since graduating I’ve worked as Head of Wigs & Make-Up on productions by Opera North, English National Ballet, and on lots of touring theatre productions, including The Lion King and We Will Rock You, both of which involved a lot of elaborate work. I’ve also dabbled in TV and Film; the course at Clydebank gave me the skills to work in different areas and to build a lot of experience. I’m currently Head of Make-Up on the UK & Ireland tour of Shrek the Musical, and it was for this that I won the Technical Theatre Award.
“My Depute and Assistant nominated me, and I was just happy to be shortlisted. The two others shortlisted are very talented – I never expected to win. To know that other ‘wiggies’ (that’s people who work with wigs!) respected my work was a real boost.”
For Craig, the award is both personally and professionally rewarding, and with his current production ending in February, a welcome addition to his CV.
“I’ve got the award on my wall now, which looks very nice, but more importantly it’s a great way to get my name recognised. My current role ends in February so I’m looking for my next challenge. Being successful is all about building a profile, which the award will only add to. That’s the way the industry works, but I’m fortunate enough to have learned some great skills and built some great experience that means getting the next job is something I look forward to.”
Craig is now based in Birmingham, where he lives with his partner, but still tours the country with work. Craig is often back in Scotland on touring productions, and this month is in Edinburgh with Shrek the Musical.
“After a few years being on the road I’m now based in Birmingham, where I stay with my partner. It’s nice to have settled down a little (not too much!). I still work away from home 5 days a week and it can be tough, but I like to have somewhere to come back to. I still miss Clydebank and Scotland of course, but with so much work in England, Birmingham is a good central place to base myself.”
“Wherever I end up working or living in the future, I’ll always remember my 3 fantastic years at Clydebank. There was such a great learning environment, the lecturers were brilliant at pushing me to succeed and helped recognise my talent. If you can dedicate yourself to the HND course it’s worth the time and effort, I’m not their only graduate to go on and do well, so many of my fellow students have gone onto great jobs in the industry.”
Craig has had extensive experience in the industry, but still believes his College education provided everything he needed.
“Apart from some professional master-classes, I haven’t needed any further qualifications. You can go onto University and that works really well for some people, but I learned all I needed on the HND. Now I’m involved in recruiting, I only ever glance at a person’s qualifications. I’m only interested in what they can do, and it doesn’t matter if you learned those skills in London, New York, or Clydebank. We’ve got just as great facilities and lecturers in Scotland and you can really succeed there. What’s important is that you have the talent and the drive, and that your lecturers can recognise and encourage that, and they certainly do at Clydebank.”