Stage One Announces 12 UK Producers for 2026 Columbia 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 whose recent work includes new writing and  revivals at Park Theatre as well as collaborations with leading directors and performers; Andy  Bewley, a producer developing new musical theatre and circus theatre projects including work  supported by Stage One and an Edinburgh Fringe run.

They are joined by Annys Whyatt, a creative producer and facilitator who has worked across the  Old Vic, Almeida Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith and now works within development at ATG  Productions; and Eliza Larkey, general manager at Bill Kenwright Limited and co-producer at  Larkey Kindred Productions working across major UK touring and West End productions.

Also selected are Hope Ward Brown, associate producer at The Old Vic and former interim  producer at the Unicorn Theatre with experience across commercial and subsidised theatre  including Headlong and Birmingham Repertory Theatre; Jennifer Leigh, an independent

producer focused on new musical theatre and currently working with Sonia Friedman  Productions on West End and Broadway projects; and Kate McKewon, Development Producer  at Tim Johanson Productions and producer of new British musicals including Two Strangers  Carry a Cake Across New York now on Broadway after extensive development.

Finally, the cohort includes María Inés Olmedo, a London based producer and founder of MIO  Projects whose work spans theatre, opera and film with credits across the West End and Soho  Theatre; Maryann Wright, a theatre producer specialising in new musicals and plays whose  current work includes Gothic Opera and a range of new writing projects; 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 whose work includes  international producing and co production credits across major UK and global productions.

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.

Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One comments, Stage One is delighted to be hosting our  sixth Producer Exchange in partnership with Columbia University, creating a valuable  opportunity for aspiring commercial theatre producers to connect with their peers in New York.  The UK and US have a long and exciting history of creative collaboration, and we hope this  programme will spark new relationships, fresh ideas and future commercial projects. 

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. It remains a cornerstone of Stage One’s annual  activity, helping to shape the future of the industry and underscoring its continued impact.

Stage One is grateful to all its funders and to the many individuals and businesses across the  industry who enable and champion Stage One’s work. The Columbia Exchange is supported by  the John Gore Organisation. 

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