Are you a budding producer wanting to hone your skills and make your mark in the industry? An exciting one day introductory course into theatre producing is coming to The Hope Street Theatre in association with the CGO Institute. Expect a day of insightful industry knowledge, shared by professionals Chris Grady, Nick Rogers, and Sam Donovan.

Chris Grady specializes in ‘nurturing the next generation of creative producers’. He is an all-rounder within the industry and has worked in managing, building, marketing, and creating a variety of theatres and festivals. His key roles have included ‘management at Bristol Hippodrome, marketing Plymouth Theatre Royal, Edinburgh International Festival and Traverse Theatres, and leadership at Highland Hospice, Pleasance Theatres at Edinburgh Fringe and Buxton Opera House.’ In addition to this variety of roles, Grady is the founder of the New Musicals Alliance and the Musical Theatre Network.

He has also served as head of Licensing for Cameron Mackintosh. Sam Donovan, is a trained actor (Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) and has acted in Room On The Broom (West End, UK, US, and International Tours), Salome (UK Tour), and Billy The Kid (Unicorn Theatre). Donovan has directed Our Boys and David Copperfield in addition to being co-founder and director of Papatango. Donovan and Rogers established Performers TheatreSchool in 2001 and the Merseyside Academy of Drama in 2008.

The pair opened The Hope Street Theatre in 2018. Nick’s Rogers, a qualified solicitor with credits as a producer including The Importance of Being Earnest, (Theatre Royal Haymarket, West End), Stepping Out (UK Number 1 Tours), The Ukulele Project (Edinburgh & UK Tour), Decline and Fall (London), Artist Descending AStaircase (London), Close (The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool). Rogers is also a director of Papatango, an Olivier Award-winning theatre company. The course itself is designed for aspiring producers and those who want to form their own production companies. We encourage creatives who are based in and around Liverpool to apply. The event is free of charge and will take place from 10AM to 5PM on Friday, 15th September at the Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool.

The Creative Wire was able to get some further insight into the course and the motives and intent behind the 3 professionals. We spoke with Nick Rogers regarding the workshop. I asked Rogers what had inspired the three producers to bring this workshop to Hope Street Theatre. He said:

‘The reason why I wanted to run this workshop is because I see the role of a producer as something really special. Producers arent just behind the scenes; they are at the heart of making theatre happen. They’re dreamers, planners, and doers all rolled into one. This workshop is all about lighting that sparks in others – those who might have the passion but need the know-how. I want to be part of something that helps aspiring producers find their feet and their voice. It’s about empowering up-and-coming producers to create, innovate, and, most importantly, produce. We’ve got the brilliant Chris Grady joining us. Chris has a wealth of experience spanning decades and has worked with everyone from Gregory Doran to Cameron Mackintosh. It’s going to be a brilliant day, and I’m really excited to be part of it.’

It is challenging to find your way into the industry. I asked about the individual and personal experience of Rogers and if has changed in recent years. He said:

‘I’m not sure it's any more difficult now than it ever has been, though the landscape has certainly changed. In recent years, we’ve seen funding become scarcer, and costs have spiraled, adding pressure on new and existing producers alike. But alongside these challenges, there are more resources and support systems than when I started. Back then, there weren’t really courses in producing; now, there’s education and guidance from places like Unity and networks like Producers Pool. Success in this industry requires flexibility, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit - not just in securing funding but in creating opportunities and making the most of whats presented to you.’

Finally, I asked Rogers if he has any advice for upcoming professionals wanting to make their mark in the industry. He said:

‘Producing isnt just about managing a project; it’s about being part of a vibrant community. Dive in and start doing it. Network, go see plays, follow talent, put on plays, find your tribe, challenge yourself. The world of theatre is ever-changing, and to be a producer is to be in the heart of that change. Embrace it.’

I highly encourage you to apply for a place at this workshop if producing is a pathway you aspire to follow. To support your application you will be asked to write a short piece (300-600) on Your Life in Theatre. Get writing, get applying and break a leg!

Written by, Grace Morrison