Our Story
About
Us.
Who We Are
We Don't Wait
for Permission.
Seed to Stage sprouted from two drama school graduates – and best friends – with a shared passion for improving access to the arts. Both Sam and Anna-Jane trained at Italia Conti, graduating with their BA (Hons) in Acting, and both arrived in the industry acutely aware of how much access to the arts had shaped their lives.
Our aim is to work with emerging talent across the board: to encourage, nurture, and learn from one another. We know we aren't rewriting the rulebook or innovating the industry – but we believe little steps make big steps.
With dedication and artistic ingenuity, we believe we can do our part in making the theatre arts industry a melting pot of lived experiences – for the many, not the few.
What We Do
- Showcase new writing created, performed and directed by emerging talent
- Develop new plays in close collaboration with the writer
- Create space for authentic, relatable stories from real lived experience
- Run outreach workshops for young storytellers through Seed to Stage Roots
Our Ethos
This is not an exclusive club. We simply want to share exciting work.
The Team
Meet the
Directors.
Sam Brenner
he/him
Joint Artistic Director
Sam fell in love with the art of storytelling as a toddler, watching and rewatching (and rewatching a few more times!) The Sound of Music and learning all of Maria's choreography, lines and lyrics by heart. It was clear from a very young age that this little boy from London was a performer. He undertook his Foundation Diploma in Acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and completed his studies at Italia Conti on their BA Acting course alongside Anna-Jane.
Whilst training (and whilst finding his feet) Sam has taught drama to younger children in multiple capacities. He began as a Drama Assistant at his childhood performing arts school, before becoming the lead Drama Tutor for the 3-7 year olds. He consistently works on performing arts holiday camps, alongside many industry professionals. He has also invigilated LAMDA Exams for the past 4 years, and has an in-depth understanding of the syllabus and marking structure. He has additional childcare experience which only enriches and furthers his passion for creating a more artistically free future.
Sam strongly believes in the power of new voices, and, together with Anna-Jane, hopes this company can plant some seeds that might just grow into a creatively fruitful future.
Anna-Jane Macpherson
she/her
Joint Artistic Director
Anna-Jane grew up in Bishop’s Stortford where her love for performing was sparked in primary school in her year 6 play; the first time she was ever exposed to storytelling on stage.
She continued to take part in school shows through secondary school, until training at Arts Ed when she was 18 on their Foundation Acting course. Since then she has worked extensively with young people through a full time role as a gymnastics teacher (if you need cartwheel tips please ask!) and a drama teacher/vice principal at a youth theatre club.
Now her and Sam have graduated Italia Conti with a BA (Hons) in Acting, it is not lost on her how important having access to performing arts was to her when she was younger and the life changing impact it can have on young people.
She believes the next generation should be empowered to tell their stories - whether that means becoming a playwright or having the confidence and self belief to chase any dream they have.
(Aside from theatre she also loves yoga, Taylor Swift and puppies).
Want to Work With Us?
Whether you're a writer, director, performer, or just curious – we'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch