Stage One announce 13 outstanding emerging producers for the Bridge the Gap programme 2025/26.
Stage One has announced the 13 brilliant rising producers who have been selected for the Bridge the Gap programme for 2025/26. Bridge the Gap is a bold Stage One initiative championing under-represented voices in commercial theatre producing. Launched in 2018, it’s the only year-long programme of its kind, dedicated to diversifying and opening doors across the industry. Backed by nearly 50 years of Stage One’s expertise in supporting producers through education and investment, Bridge the Gap is helping to build a more inclusive, vibrant future for theatre production throughout the country.
The producers selected for 2025/26 are:-
- Anastasiya Yevchenko
- Andy Mandoiu
- Anousha Karim
- Ben Quashie
- Bobby Harding
- Helen Denning
- Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner
- Kashif Boothe
- Lisa Richardson
- Raha Mahamoud
- Suher Sofi
- Syania Shaharuddin
- Zeynep Gunaydin.
Through The Producer Programme with Bridge the Gap, Stage One aim to support emerging producers, equipping them the skills they need to transition into commercial producing. This includes monthly bespoke workshops on commercial theatre producing, a commercial producer mentor, personal coaching sessions, regular networking opportunities, a place on the Stage One workshops, access to the BTG Kick Start Grant (up to £5,000) as well as tickets to commercial shows.
Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One comments, The calibre of candidates who applied for this year’s Bridge the Gap cohort was so strong. The group we have chosen all bring a unique set of skills and potential to the programme. I’m thrilled to start working with them and look forward to having their energy and insights in the programme and part of the Stage One community.