Our London Producer Placement Scheme has been running since 2007 and has successfully placed over 150 trainee producers. Some have gone on to set up their own independent production companies (e.g. Simon Friend for Simon Friend Entertainment), and some are climbing the ranks within their host organisation (e.g. Matthew Green, now Production Co-ordinator at Mark Rubinstein Ltd). This week we’ve asked the 4 producers currently on West End placements to offer a bit of insight into their experience on the scheme…

Meet the Producers:

Name: Daisy Lee

Age: 23

Currently: Stage One Trainee Producer @ Mark Rubinstein Ltd

What projects are you currently working on with your host?

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Be More Chill.

Highlight of placement so far? 

Working on the cabaret/circus/variety show, La Soirée!

Top Tip for new producers?

Keep going, do your research and enjoy it!

 

Name: Lottie Bauer

Age: 24

Currently: Stage One Trainee Producer @ Seabright Productions Ltd

What projects are you currently working on with your host?

Cinderella, An Act Of God, Potted Panto and Adam Kay Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas

Highlight of placement so far?

Going to the Edinburgh Fringe with 10 shows!

Top Tip for new producers?

Be proactive and don’t be afraid to ask for advice

Name: Thomas Holloway

Age: 27

Currently: Stage One Trainee Producer @ Kenny Wax Ltd

What projects are you currently working on with your host? The Play That Goes Wrong, A Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, SIX, Magic Goes Wrong, Groan Ups

Highlight of placement so far? Meeting so many interesting and lovely people at the top of their fields. Also, seeing something you helped put together on the front page of the Evening Standard was pretty awesome.  

Top Tip for new producers? A really valuable lesson I’ve learned that sounds glaringly obvious is that never forget it’s your job to protect and hopefully grow your investors’ money. Whilst your priorities and tasks are constantly shifting, I have found it a useful core principle to keep this at the back of your mind to provide context to what you’re doing – even when doing something seemingly simple as processing invoices!

On the flip-side, do your best to be understanding, patient and kind to everyone you work with. Most people are in theatre because they love it,  positivity goes a long way in making the ride a whole lot more fun. 

Name: Nisha Oza

Age: 32

Currently: Stage One Trainee Producer @ National Theatre Productions

What projects are you currently working on with your host? A Taste of Honey UK Tour/West End Transfer to Trafalgar Studios

Highlight of placement so far? Probably my weekly meetings with Sarah Nicholson (Producer & Head of Productions) and Sarah Hunt (General Manager) – great for inspiration as well as practical advice.

Top Tip for new producers? Produce things that you’re genuinely passionate about & want people to see – you’ll be talking about them incessantly. And speak to other producers – ask questions & keep learning.