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Chief Executive
Joseph Smith
Joseph is currently the Producer for Rocket Stage, the theatrical arm of Sir Elton John and David Furnish's production company; Rocket Entertainment. Rocket Stage has several musical theatre projects in development that include a mix of new Elton John song material and his existing catalogue.
He is also the co-owner with John Brant of Smith & Brant Theatricals(SBT). Currently the company is producing the global hit musical Come From Away that is playing in New York, Toronto and most recently in London where it won 4 Olivier awards in 2019. Producing credits are the Broadway hit revivals of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises. In the West End SBT produced Million Dollar Quartet, and the multi award-winning Sweeney Todd and Spring Awakening. More recently the company has produced national tours of Gaslight, Strangers on a Train, Abigail’s Party & Ghost Stories, plus West End productions of True West starring Kit Harrington & Johnny Flynn and David Mamet's Bitter Wheat starring John Malkovich. .
Previous to his work for Rocket Entertainment, Joseph was the Executive Producer of Old Vic Productions (later Greene Light Stage): he led the team in producing a wealth of productions including the Olivier Award-winning Jerusalem, Clybourne Park and the critically acclaimed Passion Play, Private Lives, Good People and The Pajama Game in the West End. This is in addition to representing the company in its role as co-producer with Working Title Films of the smash hit, Billy Elliot The Musical.
Chief Executive of Stage One: Joe has headed up Stage One for almost 10 years as he strongly believes in nurturing and supporting the next generation of commercial producers. Joe has been an integral part of a shift in Stage One, doubling the amount of development programmes on offer including the launch of their Bridge The Gap scheme which aims to diversify the representation of commercial theatre producers across the UK. He was also instrumental in developing the One Stage season in 2014, mentoring the three producers as they took on their projects at The Other Palace (then, the St James Theatre).
Board Member, Park Theatre, Finsbury Park: As a passionate supporter of new writing, he is proud to be a member of the board of one of London's leading theatres for this.
Prior to all of this he worked in New York for RJK Productions producing both on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Before living and working in New York he started his career at the National Theatrewhere he worked for 10 years culminating in producing the critically acclaimed Transformation Season.
Louise graduated from the University of Kent in 2012 with an M Drama in Creative Producing where she independently produced a number of plays and musicals and created her own production company. After leaving University she continued to produce fringe shows in London before joining Stage One in 2014. Louise's education and experience in producing gives her a first-hand understanding of the practical and organisational challenges that face new producers. Over the past 6 years she has relished the opportunity to create opportunities to support producers at all levels through their careers.
Siobhan trained as a secondary drama teacher and enjoyed facilitating the next generation of theatre makers. She has produced and directed work with emerging artists in schools and theatres and is experienced in fundraising and engaging new audiences. With a keen interest in unheard voices and representation on stage, Siobhan now produces work that promotes change in the industry. She wants to ensure that emerging producers access the support and guidance needed to nurture their talent in producing and thrive in their field.
Clarissa is a freelance producer who leads Papergang Theatre, a company that supports work by British East and South East Asian artists. She is an alumni of Stage One's Bridge The Gap programme 20-21. Clarissa champions diversity and representation in the theatre industry, and she is excited to support a new generation of theatre producers.
Marketing & Programme Coordinator
Olivia Polglase
As an American theatre marketer and producer living in London, Olivia trained as an actor and facilitator before receiving her Masters in Applied Theatre in 2015. She’s produced shows and workshops across the UK & USA before joining Stage One in 2022. Coming from a background in marketing and outreach, she is passionate about helping emerging producers access training & opportunities. Having a long love affair with musicals, she is excited to support the next generation of producers in sharing their stories and hearing their voices in the industry.
Liz has over 12 years’ experience working in the subsidised sector in fundraising and development including as Director of Development for the Almeida Theatre, Soho Theatre and has worked as a freelance consultant for the Central School of Ballet and Cheek by Jowl Theatre Company.
Katie graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2018 with a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts. She has a background in coordinating and producing community and particiatory projects, working with young people and emerging artists. She is passionate about supporting producers to navigate the ever-changing theatre industry, and champions positive changes and increased representation across the sector.
Jennifer Halsey Theatre Finance was set up by Jenny Halsey in 2019 to be a company dedicated to Production Accounting for the West End and UK & International Tours.