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Dr Willie Mackie appointed as Chair of CentreStage


CentreStage is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Willie Mackie as the new Chair.


Willie joins CentreStage with vast experience, notably in the financial industry but more recently as Interim Chair of Scottish Enterprise, serving on the Board of Prestwick Airport and past Chair of Ayrshire College.


In November 2019, Willie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of The West of Scotland in recognition of his contribution to business, skills and economic development.


Outgoing Chair, Eleanor McLaren said: “Willie brings a wealth of experience as a non-executive Director, connections across the breadth of Scotland and a real passion for the work of CentreStage. His credentials are second to none and we give him the warmest of CentreStage welcomes”.



Fiona McKenzie, Founder of CentreStage said: “We are delighted to have someone with Willie’s experience and passion joining our CentreStage family as Chair.  We are excited about the future of the organisation as we move into a new phase in our new home at the former Kilmarnock Academy and with Willie’s leadership, we are sure we will make a difference to people’s lives across Ayrshire and beyond. We also thank Eleanor for her exceptional hard work and dedication to CentreStage over the past 5 years”.

Dr Willie Mackie
01 Aug, 2023
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Ellis with her cycling teammates (Ellis third from left) CentreStage choir member goes for gold in Berlin! Ellis Wilson, heads to the Special Olympics in Berlin on 11th June Here at CentreStage we are proud of all the achievements of our participants and when someone as talented as Ellis Wilson lets us know she is heading to the Special Olympics in Berlin to compete we couldn't not shout about her achievements. Ellis is a much loved and 'well kent' face around CentreStage taking part in our Gospel Choir, Oor Wee Choir and our Creativity Cafe every week, regularly taking to the stage during our shows and events and showcasing her wonderful art that she creates. It also turns out that the arts are not where her talents stop, Ellis has been involved in the Special Olympics GB squad since she was a youngster where she competed in horse riding. However, this time she is switching her horse for the bike as she heads to Berlin for this summer's games to compete in cycling. Here is Ellis' athlete's profile:
18 May, 2023
Young people graduate from Connect programme CentreStage and Ayrshire College celebrate the achievements over 50 young people On Wednesday 17th May, over 50 young people from schools across East Ayrshire graduated from the Connect programme, a partnership programme between CentreStage and Ayrshire College which seeks to provide opportunities for young people not engaging fully with school. The celebration event brought together all of the young people who took part this year along with their teachers and parents to showcase some of the impressive work they have been involved in. This year, the young people were working towards Creative Industries Award Levels 4 and 5 for the first time, which focuses on developing basic knowledge and understanding of practical aspects of the creative industries. It is aimed at those who may want to explore the many activities and opportunities available in the creative industries sector, including: theatre and performance, television and radio broadcasting, music and video. They supported our wider team in building and painting many of our sets for CentreStage shows such as Through The Deep Dark Wood, Elf and flagship show, The Wedding Singer. As well as creating 3D scene boxes which were entered in to a prestigious competition and many other creative activities. CentreStage was also able to provide a wider range of skills, helping the young people work on their life skills, such as making soup and baking alongside our signature singing and performing opportunities which all went towards creating a holistic set of skills for them all. Please watch our video for the highlights from their time with us:
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