Stage One to Receive Grants from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation

Stage One, the charity that supports new UK commercial theatre producers and productions, announces it is to receive new grants from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, significantly expanding the organisations work both in London and nationally.

In August 2014 the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation pledged a grant over two years towards the costs of supporting four more apprentice producers working within regional subsidised theatres. This unique 12 month training programme places new entrepreneurial producers with regional host producers and/or organisations, along with financial support to attend Stage One workshops and networking events hosted in London. The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have previously supported Stage One and in 2011 generously provided a grant to help the charity extend their Apprentice Scheme for New Producers to the subsidised sector in London. As a result of Esmée Fairbairn's support all the apprentices are now professionally employed within the sector.

Henny Finch, Executive Director of Headlong Theatre Company commented on their apprentice: "By deepening relationships with the commercial sector, we change the way we work and access innumerable rewards. The Stage One initiative, funded by Esmée Fairbairn, has brought together both sides of the industry; any scheme that increases mutual understanding and shares skills across the subsidised and commercial sectors is utterly invaluable"

In June 2014 the Trustees of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation awarded a grant over two years to Stage One to part fund twelve, six-month Theatre Producer Apprenticeships within the theatre industry, providing structured hands-on training opportunities and mentoring for individuals on the brink of their careers within established companies.

Joseph Smith, Chief Executive for Stage One commented "Stage One supports the next generation of commercial theatre producers. Our aim is to expand our work and training opportunities across the country. The fantastic support from Esmée and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation is further testament to the success of Stage One in providing a comprehensive, national support network for those wishing to train as commercial theatre producers."