Stage One has announced the appointment of Abbi Roberts as its new Operations Director.
Roberts joins the UK charity from Mercury Theatre, where she served as Director of Development and Communications, bringing extensive experience in arts investment and development.
Her appointment signals a new chapter for Stage One as it continues to evolve its core programmes, including Bridge the Gap, a one-year training initiative for aspiring producers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Roberts began her tenure at Mercury Theatre in 2017 as Head of Development, working alongside Chief Executive Steve Mannix on the £12 million Mercury Rising Project, which transformed the theatre’s spaces and capacity.
In 2021, she joined the senior management team, overseeing fundraising, marketing, communications, and box office operations. Her efforts secured a three-year Arts Council England grant worth over £350,000 to support Mercury Creatives, a programme dedicated to emerging talent.
Her previous roles span across the charity sector, including positions at The King’s Trust, ShelterBox, and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospitals. In 2023, she participated in Clore Leadership’s Emerging Leaders cohort.
With Roberts’ appointment, Stage One looks ahead to a future focused on support, development, and investment for theatre producers across the UK.
Abbi Roberts said, “I am delighted to be joining Stage One as the organisation continues to grow and support the incredible producers entering and powering our industry. Seeing the successes of those supported through the Mercury’s talent development programmes was an absolute highlight of my time there, so it was a no brainer to take on this role at Stage One and join an organisation equally as committed to championing talent and strengthening our industry.”
Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One, commented, “Abbi’s background in senior roles within regional producing venues, her experience of strategy and campaign management together with her depth of knowledge on funding structures within the arts, will bring a fresh perspective to Stage One as we enter our 50th year. Abbi’s talent and ambition for Stage One very much aligns with our direction of travel as we expand our work as a national organisation working to support and develop a diverse range of producing talent across the industry.”
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