Stage One Investment

Financial backing for theatre productions designed to support commercial producers and their professional growth.

Stage One Investments provide financial backing for theatre productions, supporting commercial producers to bring ambitious work to life while developing their professional practice.

For over 40 years, Stage One has invested in West End productions and national tours. Today, our investment programmes also support smaller-scale productions, helping producers build commercially viable work, grow their investor networks and gain industry experience.

Get in Touch About Investment Opportunities

Stage One formed in 1976, as the Theatre Investment Fund, where it's primary action was financial investment in theatre productions in the West End.

Up to £20,000 (Small Scale)

Up to £40,000 (Commercial)

Stage One investment schemes are a commercial investment. If you are a new producer, you may find the Bursaries for New Producers more suitable.

Small Scale Investment supports emerging producers and productions outside West End venues.

Key Points:

The maximum investment available is £20,000 and capped at 30% of the capitalisation
Your application must be received at least 6 weeks before your first rehearsal
We are not able to invest in Edinburgh Fringe Shows or shows performing internationally
In the event that an offer to invest is made, the Producer must show that they have the balance of the capital in hand before Stage One money is transferred.

We highly recommend you read the full guidelines before proceeding with an application. Small-Scale-Commercial-Investment-Guidelines-UPDATE-16.4.25.pdf

Ready to apply? Please send a summary of your project and request an application form by emailing [email protected]

Commercial Investment is designed for established producers and larger-scale productions, including West End and national tours.

Key points:

The maximum investment available for a revival is up to £30,000 and capped at 20% of the capitalisation.
If the production is a new play or musical the maximum investment available is up to £40,000 and capped at 20% of the capitalisation. (Please see the guidelines for more details)
Your application must be received at least 6 weeks before your first rehearsal.
In the event that an offer to invest is made, the Producer must show that they have the balance of the capital in hand.

Please read the full guidelines before proceeding with an application.

Ready to apply? Please send a summary of your project and request an application form by emailing [email protected]