Stage One, the charity that provides help, support and investment to new theatre producers, will give these dramatic entrepreneurs a new chance and challenge with the One Stage season that will run at the St James theatre in autumn 2014.
The initiative will give three new commercial theatre producers the opportunity to stage a five week run of a production in the Victoria venue, with Stage One providing advice, assistance and investment to match the cost of theatre rent for that period.
It is hoped the scheme will give aspiring producers a greater understanding of the rigours of staging a show in London.
Speaking about One Stage, Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One explained: “Our plan is to provide an opportunity which further prepares producers for the demands and risks that await them in the West End. While Stage One will make a small financial investment and, of course, make available the advice and expertise of its trustees and advisors, the responsibility for producing the five week run of the play or musical will lie solely with the emerging producers.
We’re always impressed by the standard of the individuals who become involved with the various Stage One programmes but, with One Stage, we feel we are creating an authentic and challenging scheme that will test these individuals in all of the multiple skills that a commercial theatre producer has to master.”
One Stage is among many schemes run by Stage One, aimed at supporting and encouraging a new generation of theatre producers, including workshops, apprenticeships, bursaries and networking events.
The first stage of the One Stage application process was opened today and will run until midday on Friday 17 January. For more information or to apply visit the Stage One website.