A: This is a very popular question we get asked here at Stage One (as you can imagine). The quick answer is anywhere. The general rule is people invest in the arts because they are passionate about theatre and you as a producer.

Funding can come from 5 main incomes:
Trusts & Foundations (include the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Mackintosh Foundation and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation)
Corporate (this is normally referring to sponsorship, for example MasterCard sponsoring the Olivier Awards)
Individuals (you mum or dad, or even the little old lady that lives down your road…)
Crowdfunding (The Stage reported “Between January and the end of April 2014, theatre projects made nearly £239,500”)
Arts Council Funding (you have probably already visited their website but if you haven’t – you should)

Remember once you have an investor, look after them! If it took Cameron Mackintosh a few shows to start making money in theatre – with any luck these investors will be with you for the long run!