Stage One has revealed the five emerging producers selected for its landmark 5 at 50 mentoring initiative, launched as part of the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Following a highly competitive application process, the producers chosen for the year‑long scheme are Celia Dugua, Danielle Manson, Jasmyn Fisher‑Ryner, Rafia Hussain and Sophie Visscher‑Lubinizki. Each will receive one‑to‑one mentoring from an established industry figure, along with a £20,000 bursary and access to £50,000 in matched funding to support their next commercial project.
The mentors are Tristan Baker, Kenny Wax MBE, Francesca Moody MBE, Zareen Walker and Eleanor Lloyd OBE, with Wax and Walker newly confirmed for the programme.
Stage One CEO Joseph Smith said: “We interviewed an exceptionally talented pool of people and through the process these five individuals distinguished themselves with outstanding ambition and focus. We know that with the support of this landmark programme they will all take great strides in their careers. Their backgrounds and experience just show there is no one route into producing, and we are excited to be championing five female producers who will no doubt make an impact in our sector.”
Sophie Visscher‑Lubinizki is a producer and general manager specialising in new work and queer storytelling. Her credits include Paranormal Activity, UK tours Inspector Morse and The Girl on the Train, and the world premiere of Private View at Soho Theatre. She will be mentored by Eleanor Lloyd OBE.
Independent producer Jasmyn Fisher‑Ryner is director of JFR Productions Ltd. Her work includes productions for the Royal Court and the Olivier‑nominated For Black Boys…, Blue Mist and fringe hit Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x). She will be mentored by Francesca Moody MBE.
Commercial producer Rafia Hussain has spent nearly a decade developing new work and previously championed early‑career Black and Brown voices. She co‑authored the Producing Producers report in 2024 and will be mentored by Zareen Walker.
Criminal defence barrister‑turned‑producer Danielle Manson is also a legal consultant on commercial theatre projects. She joined the team behind the Olivier‑winning Prima Facie in 2021. She will be mentored by Kenny Wax MBE.
Celia Dugua has been part of Operation Mincemeat since 2019, helping grow the production into a multi‑Olivier and Tony Award‑winning success. She is currently producing David Elms Describes a Room and developing further projects. She will be mentored by Tristan Baker.
The programme continues Stage One’s mission to support entrepreneurial producers and those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Its 50‑year legacy includes supporting the careers of leading producers including Becky Barber, Simon Friend, Chuchu Nwagu, Sarah Verghese and Jamie Wilson.
More information can be found here.
