Want to try out new material?
New Stages is an initiative to support grassroots performance in Lancaster. Are you an emerging theatremaker, storyteller or performance artist? Perhaps you’re more established but want a space to try out an experimental idea?
Whether you have work you want to perform for the first time, or a fully fledged show to put through its paces, we want to hear from you.
For decades the Gregson has been a home for grassroots and experimental work in Lancaster. It has been a stepping stone, a place to play, trial ideas and share these in a supportive community setting.
Community owned spaces like The Gregson are vital for artists and audiences alike. Here, audiences and artists drink together in our cosy Cafe Bar after the show – ideas are sparked, collaborators are met and creativity flourishes. With no core funder, we answer only to our community, meaning your show doesn’t need to fit any specific criteria. We want work that is fresh, creative and authentically you.
How it works
This is your chance to try out ideas and use the Gregson as a testing ground for your work. You get:
- 12 hours free rehearsal space
This can be broken up however works best for you, and in any of our spaces (subject to availability) - Space to perform your work
We have 3 spaces to suit a range of performances, with capacities from 24 to 110: The Hall (our largest space), The Olive Bar (a cosy space, best for storytelling), and the Secret Cinema (our most intimate space) - 70% of ticket income
We run the ticket sales for your event, and work with you to decide on pricing. You take away 70% of income (after fees) - Marketing support
Your show is listed on our website, in our quarterly printed event guide, in social media posts (10k followers across all platforms), and in our monthly newsletter (2k recipients). While we cannot create a marketing campaign for you, our experienced Community Marketing Officer can offer advice on where to start, and support with promoting your group across Lancaster.
We are open to all ideas, particularly those making creative use of our venue, and from people with a connection to Lancaster.
Is New Stages right for you?
We think that New Stages is a great opportunity for early-career performers and people who want the chance to to experiment with reduced financial risk.
Our venue is fully accessible (with an accessible stage in our Hall – you can learn more about access at the Gregson here), and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive space where people from all walks of life feel at home. Read more about our charity’s mission here.
New Stages would best suit shows with low technical requirements, or works-in-progress that are looking to find their feet before moving into bigger theatre spaces.
All of our spaces have a PA, basic LED lighting and projection capabilities, but please note we have no in-house technician.
It might be that New Stages isn’t right for you. We don’t think this is going to be a big money maker for you or us, that’s not why we’re doing this. New Stages is about fostering community, trying out new things with supportive audiences, and taking that first step.
Get in touch!
If this sounds right up your street, please click here to fill out our enquiry form!
We will be programming one New Stages show per quarter, with applications open on a rolling basis. We’ll get back to you within 10 working days to further discuss your idea.
Take that step…see you on the stage!
