Stage One to Launch 2026/27 Producer Placement Scheme With Leading UK Theatre Companies

Stage One has announced the organisations and venues it has partnered with for this year's Producer Placement Scheme as part of its 2026/27 programme.

This unique initiative offers emerging producers the opportunity to spend a year working across some of London's leading commercial production offices and the UK's most dynamic regional theatres.

With applications now open, it offers invaluable experience for those looking to build a career in theatre producing.

Since 2006, Stage One has facilitated over 100 paid placements in West End producing offices, alongside over 40 placements in regional theatres since the launch of its Regional Placement Scheme in 2013. With 75% of participants still active in the industry, Stage One continues to be a vital pathway for developing the next generation of commercial producers.

This year's London placements will be hosted by Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP), Francesca Moody Productions (FMP), Rodeo Productions and the Royal Court. Participants will contribute to major West End transfers, productions and national tours, working across producing, general management and development.

Across the UK, Stage One's national placements will take place at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Glasgow Citizens Theatre, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Sheffield Theatres. Placement producers will work across programming, co-productions and in-house projects on 12-month fixed-term contracts.

Kash Bennett, Executive Director, SFP, comments,

Sonia Friedman Productions has long been a proud supporter of Stage One, and many members of our team have benefited from its invaluable work at pivotal moments in their careers. We are delighted to be one of the London hosts for the Stage One Trainee Producer programme and to play a small part in nurturing the next generation of theatre producers. Supporting emerging talent is fundamental to the long-term health and diversity of our industry, and we greatly value Stage One's continued commitment to making a career as a producer more accessible, inclusive and sustainable.

Jeremy Woodhouse, Head of Producing, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, comments,

I'm delighted that Pitlochry Festival Theatre will have the opportunity to host a Stage One placement this year. Their commitment to developing producing talent outside of London, and in the subsidised sector helps to build a resilient, diverse workforce of great minds for the future of our industry. It's an exciting time for a trainee producer to join Pitlochry Festival Theatre as we enter a new chapter in the organisation's 75-year history. With new leadership we're bursting with ambition to make the best theatre for our audiences in highland Perthshire, Scotland and across the world.

Abbi Roberts, Operations Director, Stage One, comments

The Stage One Placement Scheme provides paid, year-long opportunities for early career producers to learn from industry leading commercial offices and producing venues. Twenty years on from our first placements, we are proud to continue opening doors for emerging talent across the UK and delighted to welcome Pitlochry and FMP as new hosts.

For those wishing to apply for any of the placements across the programme, you can apply here: https://stageone.org.uk/portal/ by 12 noon on Monday 22nd June.

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