Stage One announces new grants for apprenticeship scheme

Stage One, the charity that supports new UK commercial theatre producers and productions, has received major new grants the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

The new funds will "significantly expanding the organisations work both in London and nationally", according to Stage One.

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which has previously supported Stage One, has pledged a new grant over two years towards the costs of supporting four more apprentice producers working within regional subsidised theatres.

Headlong's Henny Finch said: "The Stage One initiative, funded by Esmée Fairbairn, has brought together both sides of the industry; any scheme that increases mutual understanding and shares skills across the subsidised and commercial sectors is utterly invaluable."

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has also awarded a grant to provide 12 six-month Theatre Producer Apprenticeships within the theatre industry.

Joseph Smith, chief executive of Stage One, commented: "The fantastic support from Esmée and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation is further testament to the success of Stage One in providing a comprehensive, national support network for those wishing to train as commercial theatre producers."

Stage One is a former partner charity of the WhatsOnStage Awards.