Zoe is currently working at Tom O’Connell Productions as part of the Stage One London Commercial Producer Placement, having worked at Bill Kenwright Ltd previously. After producing theatre at University she began a five month internship at Sonia Friedman Productions. She then set up her own production company, Nomad Welders Productions, and took her first show Mind the Gap to the Edinburgh Fringe. Since then she has worked at the Arcola Theatre and at SFP on a freelance basis on a variety of productions. She also works with Damsel Productions, whose play Dry Land debuted to high acclaim. After Dry Land’s success Damsel Productions co-produced Brute with Soho Theatre as part of their Soho Rising season. She also helps produce the Portobello Panto at The Tabernacle, which this year put on The Snow Queen directed by Anna Chancellor.

At the moment you are…
Working at Tom O’Connell Productions as a Production Assistant and Apprentice Producer. We are working on a variety of exciting shows, including the West End transfer of The Boys In The Band, Raising Martha at the Park Theatre and the UK tours of Babe: The Sheep Pig and Ray Cooney’s Out of Order.

What does Stage One mean to you?
Stage One offers a brilliant range of opportunities. In the first instance, having been at the Producers Workshop, I had the luxury of meeting so many like-minded theatre-makers. It’s great to know there are others out there, like me, trying to make it in the industry. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be a beneficiary of the Stage One London Commercial Producer Placement scheme, and have been placed in two very different production companies, Bill Kenwright Ltd (West End) and Tom O’Connell Productions (West End & Commercial). Without the support of Stage One I would have never had the opportunity to work in and learn from the industry professionals who have advanced my career and knowledge insurmountably over the past few months.

Last show you saw and loved?
The last show I saw and loved was, ironically, LOVE at the National Theatre – what an amazing piece of theatre. It blew me away. It was incredibly raw and so cleverly designed by Natasha Jenkins, I’ve genuinely never experienced being so close and personal to someone’s intimate life stories.

What do you think, is the best thing about the Theatre Industry?
I love the people. There are so many creative, strong and talented people working in the industry. It’s an absolute honour to have the opportunity to work alongside them every day.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate” (courtesy of every Producer I have ever met) and always lower the pitch of your voice when answering the phone – people will take you more seriously!