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This week we''re talking to Chris Clegg, one of the producers on Death Drop, A Dragatha Christie Murder-Mystery opening at the Garrick Theatre tonight!

Coming from a working class northern family, Chris has carved out a name for himself within the industry as an independent producer who brings fresh talent and ideas to the forefront. Chris is a producer with a broad spectrum of skills and passions. A love for Drag entertainment, queer work & musical theatre blends together for him to create quirky, but highly commercial work. 

TuckShop came about as a way to mix my history in the drag community, my producing background, and a sprinkling of marketing knowledge. I think there was a gap in a market for high end drag company, that pushed the art form and stepped it up from just "line-up" variety type nights, performing in bars and clubs, and showing the world that these performers are extremely talented and deserve a bigger stage.

Cinderella started out as a smaller idea for us originally, just a bit of fun. I'd produced a couple of West End shows before (very small ones, short runs) but I thought I'd try my luck with some bigger venues. When I took it to Trafalgar Entertainment they decided to take a risk on this upcoming drag-production company, thinking it was a fun way to keep the theatre open and buzzing on a dark Sunday. The production went so well, the cast were incredible, and we sold out the entire run and proved the format of drag entertainment on a larger scale could work. After the success and response we sat down together to talk about other projects. Death Drop is an idea I have been working on for a while, and we talked about various shows TuckShop has in development, and this one just resonated. For newer producers and production companies, it's all about the idea, its commercial potential, and having a good enough dialogue to know what strengths you can bring to the table, and what you need to rely on them for. Trafalgar Entertainment are so skilled at large productions, so they brought an incredible team and structure to blend with the creative process that TuckShop provide.

I am very particular about artwork, about imagery, and about how we sell shows. Coming from a graphic design background, and as head of marketing for Bill Kenwright for two years I have a good range of knowledge that feeds into how we produce the show from a commercial point of view. there's no point making theatre if people don't come and see it, so whether that''s the title, the cast, the poster or the trailer, you need to entice an audience. If you don't have that skillset yourself as a producer, make sure you team up with a good marketing person/team who you vibe with and can bounce off.

We've not done much different for this show actually. We have incorporated some safety messaging for ticket buyers, but we want this show to be an escape and a time and place they can laugh and forget the troubles of the world. Nimax theatres have done an incredible job making venues COVID secure, and getting that message out.

Because it's genuinely hilarious, and people need to laugh right now. The writing, production and performances are brilliant and it''s like nothing the West End has ever seen before. It's important to support newer producers taking risks, a cast of LGBTQ+ performers many of them making their West End debuts, and most importantly to help get the West End and theatre industry back on track after a hard year for us all.

It''s taught me that things get in the way. COVID has been a nightmare for all, but it helps you to really become a problem solver. Working with Trafalgar Entertainment has taught me about collaboration and how to co-produce with a company much larger and more versed in these sort of productions. and I've loved every minute of it!

3rd December - 17th January

Murder can be such a Drag.

Starring RuPaul's Drag Race superstars Courtney Act and Mon?t X Change, this brand-new comedy is an historic West End first bringing together a full cast of leading drag performers, in a hilarious murder mystery like nothing you've ever seen before.

It's 1991 and a gaggle of guests gather on Tuck Island for a soir?e like no other. The tension rises as the outrageous guests reveal their suspicious and sordid pasts, and one by one they sashay away, until at the last, nerve-shredding, side-splitting moment the surviving guests find out who-dunnit!

The Garrick Theatre operates strictly under the government COVID-19 guidelines. For further information check their COVID-19 secure information page. All bookings in a party must only be from the same household or the legally defined support bubble.

Applications for China Plate''s development programme, The Optimists are now open for Spring 2021.

A free online producer training course for emerging theatre-makers and producers looking to build their skills within the subsidised sector.

The programme is aimed at freelancers working in the theatre sector whose opportunities to produce work and gain practical experience as a producer have been affected by the COVID19 pandemic. 

For more information, click here.

All our fingers are crossed as the industry lobbies government and slowly paves the way for live performance to resume. Theatre and live performance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity that is enjoyed by millions and is one of the drivers of our economy. 

Stage One understands how vital it is for emerging producers to have support in continuing the development of projects with an aim to mounting their first productions when we are allowed. 
Before lockdown, your productions may have been steadily progressing but have drastically come to a halt and are on a new path entirely. You may be having to juggle multiple commitments in order to develop your show to meet new guidelines or for a different audience. Whatever your situation may be, we hope that our bursary awards can offer some individuals the opportunity to pursue theatre producing as a career and give them the time, money and guidance needed to do this.

Project development is going to be one of the cornerstones of our industry as we aim to kickstart the sector again, so we are placing an emphasis on wanting strong applications with this in mind. There will be an increased emphasis on the programme to diversify the current field of emerging commercial theatre producers and therefore we are strongly encouraging individuals from under-represented backgrounds to apply. The role of a theatre producer is integral to seeing a range of diverse stories being told.

In your application we want to see your dedication to your career as a theatre producer. We want to see how you''ve implemented progress in your current project, know its commercial potential, and/or hear about the other projects you have in your pocket ready for development. Our charity is committed to supporting theatre producers so whilst it is sometimes financially viable for you to perform or assist the show in other roles, we want to see that producing is your priority.

You have a month to get your applications in and we look forward to reading them - if you have any questions about applying I'd encourage you to drop Louise or Suzie an email over the next few weeks as they will be happy to answer any questions and share advice. 

Joseph Smith | Chief Executive

Apply for a bursary by becoming a Stage One member on our website - doing so will give you access to the online applications and other useful resources and opportunties.

Is your project at the right stage to apply for a bursary? Check out our website to read who the bursary is aimed at, what it can be used for and an example application. 

From 31st August. 6 weeks only.

Missed watching live theatre? Katy Lipson (Aria Entertainment) joins forces with Mathilde Moulin (WEF Productions) to present the inspiring new socially-distanced play, C-O-N-T-A-C-T. Direct from sell-out performances in Paris, C-O-N-T-A-C-T comes to London from 31 Aug, playing in Tower Bridge, St. Paul''s, Clapham and Greenwich. Using innovative sound design & app technology, this is an unforgettable theatrical experience. 6 weeks only, limited spaces available-  find out more & book now!

Tickets from ?22.50

Applications for Round 2 of the Theatre Artists Fund opened yesterday and close in two weeks, at 12noon on Thursday 10th September. Apply here.

The ambition for the fund is to provide short-term relief for hundreds of theatre workers and freelancers across the UK, and particularly those from underrepresented groups disproportionately affected by the crisis. Please help spread the word #TheatreArtistsFund.

We could not have predicted that 9 months ago there would have been a nationwide lockdown. Here at Stage One, we have been in awe of the dedication and resilience of producers throughout all of this. It has been uplifting for us in this extremely difficult time, to see how you have come together as pioneers of this industry to provide as much support as possible.

We are not naive to think that hardship will not continue into 2021 (even with a vaccine), and Stage One remain committed to providing financial and practical support where we can. We want to change the narrative that producing is a lonely business. So, please continue to rely on your Stage One network for comfort in the hard times and celebration in the achievements.

We are thrilled to be able to share with you some exciting opportunities for next year. We hope for more stability in order to host workshops in person, meet more producers and see more live theatre. But until then, we wish you a wonderful Christmas break and a happy new year.

Joe, Louise, Siobhan & Suzie x

Our hugely popular series throughout lockdown will re-ignite in the New Year as we hope to kick of 2021 with some motivation for you all. Thank you to all those who hosted a session over the Summer and we hoped they were useful in keeping you engaged in our ever important industry. See below for dates to add to your diaries! Registration links & more details to follow in the new year.

It has been a joy for us to be able to award bursaries in Autumn this year. We were overwhelmed with the amount of applications we received and are pleased to have supported 12 brilliant producers so they can create work next year. We''re pleased to confirm we''ll be doing the same in Spring! Click here to read a bit more about Stage One bursary awards, and get in touch with any further questions.

In Spring 2021, we will be opening applications for the next round of producers to join the Bridge The Gap year-long training programme.

People with an ethnically diverse background, that identify as working class, are LGBTQIA+ and/or those that have a mental or physical impairment are drastically under-represented across Stage One's development programmes and the industry as a whole. Bridge The Gap is a unique initiative developed by Stage One to specifically cater to those people.

The development programme will support 10 emerging producers each year. We aim to give them the skills they need to make the next step in their producing careers through; workshops, mentoring and now, kick start grants.

Does this sound like the programme for you? Applications will open soon, but if you''d like any further information or have any quesitons, please email us for an initial discussion. We''d love to hear from you.

Zoom In On: Jez Bond & Park Theatre

Join Stage One Chief Executive, Joseph Smith and Park Theatre Artistic Director, Jez Bond for a one-hour seminar covering:

• Producing your show at an Off-West End venue: from pitch to production
• Programming an Off-West End theatre

Zoom In On: Katy Lipson & Alex Turner

Join Stage One alumni and independent Producers Katy Lipson (Aria Entertainment) and Alex Turner for a one-hour seminar on the commercial investment model. Topics include:

• Moving from the subsidised sector to commercial
• Approaching investors & the initial pitch

Zoom In On: Nisha Oza & Stage One

Join Stage One Chief Executive, Joseph Smith and independent producer and Stage One alumni, Nisha Oza for a one-hour seminar discussing Nisha''s route to producing independently. Topics include:

• Taking the leap to just do it!
• Stage Ones development programmes

Spring Bursary Applications OPEN

Applications for the next round of bursaries will open for just under one month. Financial awards of up to ?15,000 on offer to go towards your development as a producer.

Please get in touch regarding your application if you have any questions. 

16 February 2021 - 28th March 2021
*Exclusive Ticket Offer*

The Producers of Happy Days, Anthology Theatre, would like to extend this ?25 ticket* offer to Stage One alumni: 

USE PROMOCODE OR QUOTE TO BOX OFFICE: HAPPY25

*Valid on Tier 2 tickets, across first two weeks of performances on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows. Excludes Preview Performances and is subject to availability.

Click here to book!

'One of the most unforgettable plays in the modern canon.' - The New York Times

Samuel Beckett's world-renowned play Happy Days comes to the Riverside Studios in a landmark 60th anniversary production. Brought to you by a multi-award-winning creative team, with direction from Trevor Nunn and starring 'Beckett interpreter of the first rank' (Observer) Lisa Dwan as our heroine Winnie, this is a spirited and triumphant revival most pertinent for our unparalleled times.
This enduring, potent, and lively tale of existential limbo presents a playful, but poignant look, at human strength and survival amidst the most surreal of circumstances.

19th December 2020 - 1st January 2021

The Mercury Theatre are bibbidi, bobbidi, back streaming their production of the charming pantomime Cinderella, filmed in front of a live audience of over 800 people in 2019! For just ?6 you can bring the magic home this Christmas and enjoy the show as many times as you like before Friday 1 January.

What's more, your booking will support the freelancers involved in the production - those working tirelessly behind the scenes and the future of the Mercury Theatre.

Clcik here to book!

Our Autumn bursary awards will be opening for applications, as usual, at 10am, Friday 28th August. We are looking for applications from dedicated theatre producers who need support in mounting their first productions and currently don''t have the resources to do so. For those who are new to the bursary award, it comprises of three parts:

Financial Award

Producers may apply for up to ?15,000 to support productions or themselves. For example; if you need financial support to commission artists to create work we can support this, we can also support you financially i.e. rent, bills, accountants or legal fees. This is not counted as investment into your production. If you are looking for money to go directly into your show, our Small Scale Commercial Investment may be of interest.

Mentoring

You will work with the Stage One Team to find an experienced professional to mentor you during the time you are receiving support from Stage One. The mentor will be available for consultation and advice, they will also sign off on your monthly report and invoices to Stage One. Further training through Stage One is also provided free of charge on specific topics relevant to your practice.

Office Space

A shared office space in London is available for periods agreed by Stage One. The office is in a central London location and is generously supported by Shaftesbury PLC. Note: the office is currently closed, following goverment guidance in light of COVID-19 and may not open again until the New Year.

Stage One are committed to supporting those who are underrepresented in the industry and will prioritise these applicants.

Following government advice on Coronavirus containment, the Stage One workshop in May 2020 was cancelled. Similarly we have decided that our October 2020 workshop will, unfortunatley, not be taking place.

We will however be putting together some online training which we encourage new producers to partake in. If you would like more information on how to get involved in these, please email Suzie to be added to a mailing list which we will contact with further details when we have them.

In order for the producers partaking in the scheme in 2019/20 to gain a full year of workshops and training, the 2019/20 scheme will extend to Spring 2021. Therefore we will not be opening applications for the next round of producers until next year. If you are interested in knowing more about Bridge The Gap''s producer programme and other entry level training that Stage One offers, pleae email Siobhan to be added to a mailing list. 

As the theatre industry goes through a period of intense change as well as planning your next production this could be the ideal time to explore an additional side hustle, or secondary career.

Jan Baister, who regularly runs marketing workshops with Stage One, has just launched her own freelance company, JB Creative Consulting, offering collaborative and creative marketing strategy and consultation to those in theatre and the creative industries.

She is offering free of charge consultations so whether you're exploring whether the numbers stack up for your next production, what the most flexible and economical post-pandemic marketing budget is, or whether that passion for graphic design, photography, interior design or other creative skill can be monetised then she'd love to hear from you.

For her contact details and more info on the services she offers visit JBCreativeConsulting.co.uk

We''re thrilled that Jez Bond from Park Theatre has offered to join us to kick off our Zoom In On series this January. 

Jez & Joe will begin with a short introduction followed by 20 minutes answering pre-submitted questions. We will then move on to 30 minutes of a live Q&A giving you the opportunity to ask your burning questions!

Registration will open on Monday 11th January at 11am via our Twitter page and will be on a first come first served basis. To give everyone the opportunity to join, please remember to cancel your place if you can no longer make it.

To be the first to sign up, please email us expressing your interest to be added to a mailing list to get early access to registration. *If you did this last year for previous Zoom In Ons and/or for online training, you''re already on the list!*

Jez Bond is the Founder and Artistic Director of Park Theatre. He graduated Hull University with a BA Honours in Drama and was later awarded the Channel Four Theatre Director Bursary.

Directing for Park Theatre includes; Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others & You (starring Ian McKellen), Madame Rubinstein (starring Miriam Margolyes and Frances Barber), Hurling Rubble at the Sun, Adult Supervision - plus Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Jack & the Beanstalk, which he also co-wrote and composed.

As a dramaturge he began working with writers at Soho Theatre, Royal Court and Young Vic before championing new work at Park Theatre, where he has developed a number of new plays.

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre have opened applications for the next round of Theatre Artists Fund grants.

The Theatre Artists Fund has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK. It is for theatre professionals who are in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector.

Please read their updated FAQ''s before applying.