Stage One has unveiled the eight emerging producers selected for its 2025/26 Placement Scheme, marking another exciting step in developing the next generation of commercial theatre talent. Over the coming year, these producers will work across some of London’s leading commercial production offices and the UK’s most dynamic regional theatres — learning the ropes of how great shows are made, from first idea to opening night.
Since its launch in 2006, Stage One has facilitated 127 paid placements in West End producing offices and, since expanding nationally in 2013, a further 38 in regional theatres. With an impressive 75% of participants still active in the industry, the scheme continues to play a vital role in nurturing the future of commercial producing — strengthening the creative bridge between the West End and regional theatre.
The 2025/26 Placement Hosts
This year’s London placements are hosted by a line-up of heavyweight production companies: Disney Theatrical Group, Wildpark Entertainment, Runaway Entertainment and Fiery Angel.
Participants will gain hands-on experience contributing to major West End productions and national tours, while also supporting efforts to diversify audiences, creatives, and casts.
Beyond the capital, Stage One’s regional placements will be based at Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Hippodrome, Northern Stage, and Leicester Curve, where trainees will work across programming, co-productions, and in-house projects on 12-month fixed-term contracts.
Meet the 2025/26 Placement Producers
Callie Barter – Birmingham Hippodrome
After beginning her career in Front of House and Operations, Callie transitioned into programming and producing in 2022, working with Curve, Bill Kenwright Ltd, and Nottingham Playhouse.
Laura Lydon – Northern Stage
A Newcastle-based Professional Dance graduate, Laura found her passion for producing while working in Dance City’s Artistic Programming team.
Bhavdeep Soor – Leicester Curve
A creative producer with a background in project management, journalism, and arts facilitation, Bhavdeep is driven by a commitment to EDI and community engagement.
Izzy Monaghan West – Bristol Old Vic
A Drama graduate from the University of Manchester, Izzy has collaborated with One Voice Theatre Company and The Other Palace, developing new work for stage and festivals.
Lux Knightley – Fiery Angel
A British Grenadian writer, composer, and producer, Lux’s original musical Domitius won Best Musical at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards.
Lucy Wilson – Wildpark Entertainment
A Goldsmiths MA Musical Theatre graduate, Lucy has worked with the RSC, Theatre Peckham, and The Other Palace, and is passionate about new musicals and accessibility.
Connor James – Disney Theatrical Group
Originally from Manchester, Connor brings experience in event operations and artist liaison, including work with the Manchester International Festival and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK tours.
Kate Caspari – Runaway Entertainment
Kate has produced work in Cambridge and abroad, including the Cambridge American Stage Tour, and held placements with Improbable and The Bridge Theatre.
Anousha Karim – Kiln Theatre
A Birmingham-born producer, Anousha led a full-scale tour of Romeo and Juliet across the East Coast of the US for the Cambridge American Stage Tour.
In Their Own Words
Izzy Monaghan West says:
“I am having such an amazing time on my Stage One placement; it has helped me to deepen my understanding of what it truly means to produce theatre – not just creatively, but collaboratively and strategically too.”
Bhavdeep Soor adds:
“I love seeing what processes are needed to create a show, working with different departments and feeling like an important part of a wider team. I have a lot I want to learn about producing and theatre in general, so I’m looking forward to what’s in store during the rest of my traineeship.”
Callie Barter reflects:
“The opportunity to learn on the job and be part of the incredibly insightful workshops led by industry leaders through Stage One is fantastic. I’ve already been part of a successful Edinburgh run, a London transfer, and worked on commissioning new writing — I can’t wait for even more to come.”
Lucy Wilson comments:
“I’m really enjoying my placement with Wildpark Entertainment so far and am already learning huge amounts about producing and the industry. I’m very grateful to Stage One for this opportunity and look forward to attending workshops, connecting with like-minded producers, and engaging with everything the programme has to offer.”
Building the Future of Producing
Joseph Smith, CEO of Stage One, sums up the impact:
“The Placement Scheme is at the heart of what Stage One does, allowing emerging producers the chance to learn by gaining hands-on experience in dynamic commercial producing offices and nationally recognised producing theatres across the country. Many of today’s most exciting producers began through this very scheme, and it continues to strengthen the future of commercial theatre across the UK.”
From West End powerhouses to regional gems, this year’s placements highlight the vibrant diversity of British theatre and the collaborative spirit driving it forward. For these eight rising producers, it’s not just a placement — it’s a launchpad into a life of storytelling, creativity, and the magic of live performance.