Damien attended the Stage One New Producers’ workshop in 2015 and since then has gone on to become Associate Producer for the current UK tour of Footloose. Previous Uk producing credits include Asking Rembrandt (Old Red Lion Theatre), Warde Street (Park Theatre, Nominated for Three Off West End Awards including Best New Play), Faster Higher Stronger Straighter (Dominion Theatre Studio), Warde Street (Tristan Bates). Other producing credits include Son Of Derry (Cork Arts Theatre) Roddy Doyle’s Brownbread (Firkin Crane Theatre) Why I didn’t Kill Myself, A Comedy (Cork Arts Theatre).

At the moment you are…
Associate Producer on the UK tour of Footloose and Co Producing the UK Tour of Little Shop Of Horrors. I’m also excited to be Co-Producing the World Premiere Stage Adaption of J.B. Priestley’s Novel and developing a brand new Northern family Drama set at the beginning of WWII By Graham Howes and Karen Foreman.

What does Stage One mean to you?
My involvement with Stage One was a massive turning point for me both mentally and professionally. I initially met Joe, Louise and Sophie when I applied for the Apprentice scheme. It was the first time for me as a Producer that peers I really respected in the industry gave me an indication that I was on the right track. That was followed by the incredible New Producers Workshop which absolutely cemented my desire to establish myself as a commercial Producer. It was also through Stage One that I met the Theatrical equivalent of Braveheart Stephen McGill (He’s Scottish!). Stephen brought me on as an Associate on Footloose which has now grown into a Co-Producer role on Little Shop of Horrors alongside the powerhouse that is Sell A Door Theatre Company. It’s also been wonderful to have the opportunity to bring James and Rochelle from Immersion Theatre on as Associate Producers on Little Shop Of Horrors. We met at the Stage One New Producers Workshop and in my eyes Immersion are one of the most exciting and ambitious up and coming young Producers around and it was our meeting at Stage One that laid the foundation for us to work together.

Last show you saw and loved?
It has to be Showboat at The New London Theatre. A simply exquisite show on every level, that I will definitely see again before it closes. What made it all the more wonderful was that one of its lead producers Jack Maple was on the Stage One Course with me and not even a year later he’s making West End history by being the youngest producer to have his name above a title.

What do you think, is the best thing about the Theatre Industry?
Maybe I’ve been lucky to have crossed paths with some seriously lovely people but for me, as a Producer, it has to be the wonderful support and encouragement that’s out there. Of course it’s a competitive business but we all also understand the blood sweat and tears (I mean manly sighs) that go into getting a show off the ground. Right back to the very first show I produced in London when Nederlander gave me free rehearsal space to the incredible resource and support that Stage One provides right up to industry legends like Bill Kenwright and Matthew Byam-Shaw. I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I do if it wasn’t for so many people offering a helping hand along the way.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“When you’re face down in the dirt, don’t look to the people sitting in the stands telling you what you should do to get back on your feet but look to the person who’s down in the dirt with you but has manged to get to their knees and ask them how they did it?” Also “If you ever lose anything  say a prayer to Saint Anthony and you’ll find it straight away.” but bless Saint Anthony he’s been gone a good two years trying to find my 34 inch waist!

To find out further details regarding our New Producers’ Workshop CLICK HERE.