1. workshops

About Workshops

Stage One has been facilitating workshops for over 40 years to help emerging producers further their knowledge of the commercial sector. Many producers who have taken part are now producing in the West End.

New Producers' Workshop

Twice a year, Stage One run a three day workshop for new producers. If you have ever wondered how to get a show from conception to a West End stage, then this is the course for you. Over the 3 days industry professionals will lead sessions on all elements of producing a commercial show providing detailed examples and valuable resources to equip you with all the tools you need to produce commercial theatre.

The workshops take place in May and October each year and applications open around 3 months prior. The workshop is held in multiple locations around London’s West End and is led by our Chief Executive, Joseph Smith and other experienced industry professionals who generously give up their time to support this opportunity for emerging producers.

The workshop includes seminars on:

  • Fundraising & Investor management
  • Budgeting
  • Contracting a West End theatre
  • Marketing & PR
  • Co-producing, touring & transfers

May 2020 Workshop 

Dates for the workshop are Thursday 14th - Saturday 16th May 2020 with a networking evening on Wednesday 13th between delegates.

The cost for the workshop is £425. Please note that subsidy is available for eligible candidates. For more information please call 0207 557 6737 or email [email protected]

The workshop is generously supported by the Society of London Theatre. 

Applications for the May Workshop are now OPEN! Please log in or sign up to access current opportunities. Applications close 10am, 23rd March.

When I was moving into producing, the single most practical, inspiring, sobering, empowering and essential thing I did was to attend the Stage One workshop. For me it was, literally, career-changing.

- Tracey Childs, Executive Producer and Joint Chief Executive of Mercury Theatre Colchester

Regional Workshops

In 2017, Stage One ran a one day, crash course in producing workshop kindly hosted by Birmingham Hippodrome.

We are aware that the commercial theatre sector is not just in London and it is important that we are reaching the rest of the UK with our programmes.

Regional Workshop 2020: Stage One x HOME Manchester

Developing, Budgeting and Running a Commercial UK Theatre Tour

Stage One are thrilled to be teaming up with HOME Manchester who will be hosting our next regional workshop. With sessions on Budgeting, Marketing, Financing and Co-Producing, this one-day workshop aims to provide a detailed view of commercial UK Touring and what to focus on in order to produce a successful tour. Led by Stage One Chief Executive, Joseph Smith alongside a range of industry professionals TBA.  

Date: Thursday 2nd April, 10am-6pm

Location: HOME Manchester

Cost: £50

Tickets: On sale 12pm, Monday 2nd March

You should attend this workshop if:

  • You are actively producing theatre and want insight into the commercial touring model

  • You are interested in touring commercial work outside of London

  • You want a better understanding on the relationship between the commercial producer and a subsidised venue.

  • You want to meet other commercial producers at a similar level to yourself

Outcomes:

  • Encourage emerging producers (and theatremakers) to make new connections and have a better understanding of how to tour work.

  • Encourage emerging producers to engage with further Stage One training.

We are committed to making this workshop as accessible as possible. If there is any economic barrier or reason for you not being able to attend this workshop, please contact Suzie on [email protected]. There is a limited amount of subsidy available. 

Apply for the Workshop

To apply to the next New Producers' Workshop, you'll need to become a Stage One member. Becoming a member offers you opportunties and resources for emerging producers. Applications for the May 2020 workshop are now OPEN and will close 10am, Monday 23rd March

BECOME A MEMBER

80

Workshop delegates last year

Applications now open!

50%

Assistance Fund Discount Available

FAQs

The three days cover all aspects of how to put on a West End show. The topics covered include: Overall financial view of productions; setting up producing entities’ & acquiring the rights for a play; touring & co-producing with a regional theatre; royalties; tax relief; marketing; fundraising & investor management; contracting West End theatres and how to engage with Stage One in the future.

There will also be many opportunities to network with delegates and industry professionals.

There are 36 places available on each workshop. The workshop is incredibly oversubscribed, reaching up to 80 applications per round. There is a short application form to complete which highlights your experience as a producer and how you would benefit from the programme. The workshops take place in May and Ocrober each year and applications open around 3 months prior.

The workshop is aimed at people who are actively producing. Due to the fast pace of the workshop, it is vital that you have some practical experience in producing, whether that be independently or as a part of a producing company. If you are completely new to producing it may be worth looking at our Bridge The Gap programme.

Click here to find a schedule template (subject to change) to get an idea of timings on the course. All sessions are compulsory.

It is vital you are prompt and attend all presentations scheduled. Please click here to get an idea of the schedule.

The cost of the workshop is £425 but we do have some funds in place to offer up to a 50% discount for producers who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it. If your application for the workshop is successful, we will send you a short form to complete which allows you to apply for the fund.

Applications for the workshop tend to open in either Jan/Feb and July/Aug. Sign up to Stage One’s newsletter to find out accurate application opening dates as well as ticket offers, opportunities and hearing what our alumni are up to. You can sign up by clicking here and don’t forget to follow us on social media! @StageOneNewProd

Contact

Stage One
32 Rose Street
London WC2E 9ET

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7557 6737

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