Stage One Announce Regional Apprenticeship Organisations

Stage One, the charity committed to developing and supporting producers for the commercial theatre industry, has announced the two organisations which will take part in its recently launched Regional Apprenticeship Scheme. Thanks to generous support from the Eranda Foundation, Sheffield Theatres and Manchester International Festival will each host a 12 month training programme for an entrepreneurial new producer.

The charity also announced that due to the strength of the applications for the new Regional Apprenticeship Scheme, it will offer a third funded apprenticeship for six months at The Curve theatre in Leicester.

The £30,000 award will allow Stage One to offer a unique 12 month training programme with the host organisations. The award will also cover the costs of travel to London throughout the year so the apprentices can take part in the charity's industry-led training workshops, which is a vital part of any Stage One apprentice's development.

Dan Bates, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres commented "We are thrilled to have been selected as one of the two regional host producers for the expansion of the Stage One Apprentice scheme outside of London. Stage One is a highly successful organisation and we are delighted to be involved with the support and nurturing of new producing talent. It is particularly fantastic to be selected during our year as The Stage 100 Regional Theatre of the Year 2013."

Paul Clay, Executive Producer of the MIF added "Manchester International Festival is delighted to have been successful in this application. We feel it's extremely important to be able to develop the producers of the future and we are proud to be part of the Stage One scheme."

Iain Gillie, Executive Producer at Curve commented: "We're proud to be a part of the Stage One scheme and to welcome the aspiring young producer to Curve in July. The programme will provide a unique opportunity for an apprentice to develop skills and gain experience in our innovative, state of the art producing theatre. This is a very exciting time for them to be joining the artistic team at Curve as we lead up to our 5th Birthday celebrations, which begin this autumn."

Since its inception in 2007, The Stage One Apprentice Scheme for New Producers has funded 30 apprenticeships across the West End. Stage One appoints enthusiastic producers of promise and places successful candidates with two hosting production companies, which train, guide and mentor the Apprentices for 6 months each. The experience offers a practical and detailed knowledge of producing commercial theatre across all departments. Placements also offer trainee producers increased confidence via an invaluable entry into the commercial world and a chance to network within the industry to help develop their own projects in the future.

In 2011 Stage One expanded its Apprentice Scheme for New Producers to the subsidised theatre sector with the support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The aim is to develop entrepreneurial individuals who will ultimately work across both sectors increasing communication, sharing knowledge and strengthening links.

Sonia Friedman Productions, Ambassador Theatre Group and Playful Productions are regular hosts and other West End production companies include Mark Rubinstein, Kenny Wax, MJE Productions, Mark Goucher, Colin Ingram Ltd, Lee Menzies, Fiery Angel and James Seabright. Current Stage One apprentices have worked, or are working, on productions which include The Book of Mormon, Richard III and Twelfth Night starring Mark Rylance, Let It Be, The Audience, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Our Boys.

To post a comment, you must register and login.