Theatre Investment Fund Limited

Theatre Investment Fund Limited, publicly known as Stage One, is a UK-registered charity founded in 1976 to advance education in performing arts, particularly theatre, by nurturing the next generation of independent commercial theatre producers. Established by industry leaders to tackle barriers for emerging producers, it blends charitable support with direct investments in UK productions, especially London's West End and regional venues. Core values—innovation, inclusivity, professional excellence, and broadening theatre access—drive its evolution from pure investment to comprehensive producer development, mentorship, and networking, sustaining the commercial theatre sector as a cultural and economic force.

Stage One funds early-career and aspiring independent producers through targeted programmes like production bursaries, start-up investments, paid placements, scholarships, workshops, and business support, with emphasis on underrepresented groups and UK-wide projects. Beneficiaries are UK-based individuals or small early-stage entities launching commercial theatre ventures; recent impacts include £430,000 in bursaries for over 80 producers and £320,000 in top-up grants.

Eligibility requires UK residency and focus on commercial theatre for applicants over 18; organisations must align with independent producer development, with no income thresholds. Grants range from £5,000 to £20,000 (lifetime max £20,000 per recipient), awarded biannually via a free online Members Area portal—next deadline spring 2026 (check website). Exclusions cover venues, non-commercial arts, charities, and international projects; uniquely, as the UK's sole integrated charity-investor for producers, it prioritises industry vitality over content themes like social justice.