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.
This post was last modified on May 19, 2026 10:59 am