Various Stages

Projects in research and development

Various Stages is our distinctive research and development programme through which we test ideas, creating new work that challenges and provokes. 

Various Stages blurs the line between process and performance. It is not simply a space for artists to explore and create but also an unparalleled window onto the work, allowing us to build creative exchanges between composers, theatre-makers, performers, audiences, partner organisations and communities. Throughout the life of each project, we invite audience members and stakeholders to join artists, encouraging dialogue. We believe this helps demystify the artform and ensures new projects have context and relevance. 

Various Stages enables us to create new work in new ways. Through the programme we have developed a process that is more fluid, integrating commissioning, devising, designing and rehearsing. This opens opportunities for collaboration and gives artists different possibilities for creating. 

Each year projects in Various Stages go through a range of labs, open and closed workshops, sharings and public work-in-progress showings, for example at the Various Stages Festivals and by taking in-progress work on tour. 

You can find out more about the current projects in Various Stages on the following pages. 

‘The work I create cannot be made without the workshops which happen at Various Stages. As a composer I need to learn how the minds and bodies of the performers work by being with them and feel how my music and words work in real time and space.’
Jamie Man, composer

The Various Stages Festival 2020 is supported by Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant, Britten-Pears Foundation, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, The Garrick Charitable Trust, The Leche Trust, PRS for Music Foundation (Talent Development Partnership) and the RVW Trust.