Abbi Roberts Appointed Operations Director for Stage One

Stage One has appointed Abbi Roberts, formerly Director of Development and Communications at Mercury Theatre, as its new Operations Director. Roberts brings extensive experience in arts investment and development to the UK charity, marking an exciting new chapter as Stage One continues to grow its industry-focused training and investment programmes, including the flagship Bridge the Gap, a one-year training scheme for aspiring producers from under-represented backgrounds.

Roberts’ Career at Mercury Theatre

Abbi Roberts

Roberts joined Colchester’s Mercury Theatre in 2017 as Head of Development, working closely with Chief Executive Steve Mannix on the Mercury Rising Project, a £12 million campaign that transformed the theatre’s spaces and capacity as a producing venue, securing the future of performing arts in Colchester and the surrounding area.

In 2021, Roberts was promoted to Director of Development & Communications, overseeing fundraising, marketing, communications, and box office operations. She played a pivotal role in securing the future of Mercury Creatives through a three-year Arts Council England grant worth over £350,000. The Mercury Creatives programme has supported emerging talent including Waleed Akhtar, Martha Loader, and Ava Pickett, providing business mentoring, professional development, commissions, and showcasing opportunities.

Prior to her time at Mercury Theatre, Roberts built a strong background in fundraising and development across youth, employment, and environmental charities, including The King’s Trust, ShelterBox, and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospitals. In 2023, she joined the Clore Leadership Emerging Leaders cohort, a residential programme equipping early-career cultural leaders with essential skills to succeed.

Looking Ahead at Stage One

With Abbi Roberts’ appointment, Stage One looks to the future with a renewed focus on supporting theatre producers across the UK, fostering a diverse and creativity-led industry.

Roberts said: “I am delighted to be joining Stage One as the organisation continues to grow and support the incredible producers entering and powering our industry. Seeing the successes of those supported through Mercury’s talent development programmes was an absolute highlight of my time there, so it was a no brainer to take on this role at Stage One and join an organisation equally committed to championing talent and strengthening our industry.”

Joseph Smith, Chief Executive of Stage One, added: “Abbi’s background in senior roles within regional producing venues, her experience of strategy and campaign management together with her depth of knowledge on funding structures within the arts, will bring a fresh perspective to Stage One as we enter our 50th year. Abbi's talent and ambition for Stage One very much aligns with our direction of travel as we expand our work as a national organisation supporting and developing a diverse range of producing talent across the industry.”

About Stage One

Stage One, the operating name of Theatre Investment Fund Ltd (registered charity number 271349), supports theatre producers with training workshops, bursaries, placements, investment, mentoring, and advice. Patrons include Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Dame Judi Dench.

The charity offers four core development programmes:

• Bridge the Gap: A one-year programme for 13 aspiring producers from under-represented backgrounds, offering monthly workshops, mentoring, and access to commercial opportunities.

• Andrew Treagus West End Workshop: A three-day workshop covering marketing, contracting, budgeting, rights, venue negotiations, fundraising, and investor relations.

• Producer Placements: Hands-on training within established producing companies in London and across the UK, including hosts such as Playful Productions, ATG Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hull Truck, Sheffield Theatres, and MAST Mayflower Studios.

• Bursary Award: Up to £20,000 of financial support for producers, alongside mentorship and office space.

Stage One is grateful for the ongoing financial and practical support from productions, individuals, and businesses across the theatre industry.