Stage One Producer Exchange Programme

Stage One has announced the 12 UK producers selected for the Columbia Exchange Programme 2026, in tandem with its 50th anniversary year. In partnership with Columbia University, the exchange takes the producers to New York between 14th -18th September. The programme brings together producers who are all alumni of Stage One initiatives for a series of industry focused workshops exploring every aspect of producing for Broadway, offering vital experience and the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on an international stage. Now in its sixth year, the exchange has become a core Stage One development programme, providing targeted industry training and investment.

The producers selected are Andrei Cotocu, an associate producer at Seabright Live whose work spans UK and US touring alongside West End productions; Andrew Keatley, a playwright and producer and founder of PostScript Productions; Andy Bewley, a producer developing new musical theatre and circus theatre project; Annys Whyatt, a creative producer and facilitator; Eliza Larkey, general manager at Bill Kenwright Limited and co-producer at Larkey Kindred Productions; Hope Ward Brown, associate producer at The Old Vic and former interim producer at the Unicorn Theatre; Jennifer Leigh, an independent producer focused on new musical theatre; Kate McKewon, Development Producer at Tim Johanson Productions and producer of new British musicals; María Inés Olmedo, a London based producer and founder of MIO Projects; Maryann Wright, a theatre producer specialising in new musicals and plays; Oliver Bradstock, a production coordinator at Chris Harper Productions with previous experience at The Old Vic and Pascal Ultee, a Dutch theatre producer and former festival director.

Through the Columbia Exchange, Stage One Producers will be given an intensive education in producing for Broadway, from US labour laws and unions, to fundraising, copyright law, US touring and much more, equipping them with the practical knowledge to make their ambitions of producing for on or off Broadway a reality.

Further Information: Stage One