Stage One has revealed the 13 emerging producers selected for its pioneering Bridge the Gap 2025/26 programme.
Now in its seventh year, Bridge the Gap is the only year-long initiative of its kind dedicated to supporting underrepresented voices in commercial theatre producing.
The programme offers bespoke training, mentoring, and funding opportunities to help participants transition into commercial producing.
Among this year’s cohort is Anastasiya Yevchenko, founder of the female-led NGO New Ukrainian Drama, and Andy Mandoiu, who leads Chaotic Good Theatre, a company amplifying migrant voices.
Anousha Karim, who recently led a US tour of Romeo and Juliet and will be based at the Kiln Theatre, also joins the programme.
Ben Quashie, whose work has contributed to over 70 productions and earned 39 award nominations, including a 2023 Black British Theatre Awards nomination for Best Producer, is also selected.
Independent live-arts producer Bobby Harding, known for Main Character Energy by Temi Wilkey and LUV SHANNON X by Joseph Wilson, joins the line-up.
Helen Denning, co-founder of Black Bright Theatre Company, and Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner, founder of JFP Productions Ltd and producer of the double Olivier-nominated For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, are also named.
Kashif Boothe, creator of the award-winning series Nate & Jamie, and Lisa Richardson, General Manager for the 2023 West End showcase of Billie the Kid, are among the cohort.
Raha Mahamoud, co-producer of Dugsi Dayz at the Royal Court, and Suher Sofi, whose credits include Desperate Times and BBC Studios productions, are also included.
The final two producers are Syania Shaharuddin of Nonsuch Studios and Zeynep Gunaydin, who has worked with Sadler’s Wells, The Little Angel Theatre, and Mousetrap Theatre Projects.
Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One, said:
“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.”
The programme is supported by Theatre Development Trust, John Gore Organisation, Sonia Friedman Productions Ltd, Runaway Entertainment, and The Aziz Foundation.
More information can be found here
