Derby Theatre and In Good Company announced today the first cohort of artists who will participate in the Independent Producer Residencies, supported by the Jerwood Developing Artists Fund.
The artists selected for the first cohort are Kasia Cichocka, Joanna Saw, Kate Spencer and Josie White.
Kasia Cichocka graduated in Theatre Arts from the University of Derby in July 2023. In her final year, Kasia was part of a devising group that created an original show with music and dance, The F Word, and performed at the Derby Theatre Studio to a sold-out audience. In the future, Kasia hopes to establish a small theatre company and work on devised projects with music and dance and, as a migrant, focus on highlighting the experiences of queer and international communities. Kasia says she is looking forward to this residency to further develop her skills and gain hands-on professional experience in theatre producing.
Joanna Saw is based in Derby, and has a keen understanding of the importance of developing theatre in the Midlands and investing in artists. She is particularly interested in promoting the value of theatre in local communities.
Kate Spencer is a Nottinghamshire-based actor, photographer, workshop facilitator and lecturer. She trained at Rose Bruford College, London and Columbia College, Chicago and was a 2022-2023 New Associate of New Perspectives. Kate says that she is really excited to start working with In Good Company, Derby Theatre and Jerwood Arts as part of their inaugural Producer Residency scheme, developing her knowledge and skillset with her local regional theatre, to start her producing journey.
Josie White is a Nottingham actor, writer, and producer of colour. She is a graduate of East 15 Acting School, where she gained a BA (Hons) degree in Acting and The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where she gained a Foundation Certificate in Acting and Musical Theatre. Josie began writing her first full-length play Rotten under the mentorship of Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE during the pandemic. She is dedicated to creating work with strong female leads which shines a spotlight on the lives of modern Midlands people and mental health.
The Independent Producer Residencies will support a total of eight early-career producers across two years, providing high-quality training, networking, and opportunities to work with experienced artists and producers. The artists will take part in paid placements with both Derby Theatre and an independent theatre company, and will receive bespoke mentorship from In Good Company.
Jen Sullivan, Creative Producer at In Good Company said
“We’re thrilled to have found four exceptional early-career producers who each have exciting plans for the future. We’re looking forward to working with them on the programme and seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make on the wider arts ecology in the Midlands.”
Lilli Geissendorfer, Director of Jerwood Arts said
“Pathways into producing in theatre and the performing arts are still few and far between. We’re delighted to see these four set their sights on changing the producer landscape across the Midlands and beyond, and grateful to Derby Theatre and In Good Company for running such an open and rigorous selection process. We look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.”
Find out more about the programme on the Derby Theatre website.
