Applications for Open Stage are now closed. We'll publish details of the programme here in the lead up to the event.

Are you a dance company that wants to put your work onstage in the great outdoors? A student group running a people’s assembly about something you care about? Maybe your community group has an idea for an interactive game? We're looking for groups who can bring the space to life in new and exciting ways this summer.

 What could your community group do if you took centre stage in this beautiful outdoor theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon?

Groups will take part in a series of conversations and workshops, working with us to bring their vision to life. Open Stage 2024 will play on the Garden Theatre stage in Stratford-upon-Avon from 20 July to 1 September and will be free for members of the public to attend.

Open Stage 2024 application guidelines

We will give each group that is selected one day during the summer season at the Holloway Garden Theatre, with 13 possible dates available.

Groups can arrive from 10.30am for an induction. You are then free to set-up and prepare from 11am, with a maximum of two hours to run your activity to the public. This can be split into two events if you prefer. You must have left and cleared the space by 3.30pm.

About the Space

The Holloway Garden Theatre is a temporary outdoor performance space with a stage and seating, located next to our main theatres in the Swan Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Your event/ activity will be free for the public to attend but will be ticketed to enable safe management of the theatre, and will be taking a ‘Chilled’ approach. This means there will be a more casual approach to noise and movement in the auditorium and is ideal for people who feel more at ease knowing they can go in and out of the auditorium during the event.

• The activity must be suitable for all ages to attend
• Dimensions of the stage will be confirmed – see above photo for reference
• No technical support available including amplification or lighting
• Bluetooth speakers are available, but must be operated by your group
• Maximum of 15 people

Available Dates: Saturday 20 July, Sunday 21 July, Saturday 27 July, Sunday 28 July, Saturday 3 August, Sunday 4 August, Saturday 10 August, Sunday 11 August, Saturday 17 August, Sunday 18 August, Sunday 25 August, Saturday 31 August, Sunday 1 September

Workshops and Support

For successful groups, there will be some workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon, starting in March that you will be invited to meet the team and develop your proposal, including a limited number of workshops available at your site or online. We will speak to you at point of offer, to understand your needs. The first available workshop will be Saturday 23 March, Stratford-upon-Avon, 11am – 4pm.

Further support to develop your proposal will be provided in the build-up to your Open Stage 2024 slot, dependent on your need. This could be either early in development of your piece, or on the day, for example, would you like a vocal warm up?

To apply for Open Stage 2024, complete an application form telling us how you would use the space. Applications close 9am on 8 March.

Apply for Open Stage 2024 

Then a committee of local community group leaders, artists, and members of the RSC Youth Advisory Board will put the programme together. We will announce the the final programme in the spring.

Open Stage 2024 Terms and Conditions

• Your group will be required to have your own Public Liability Insurance and if your application is successful, we will request evidence of insurance from you.
• Groups will be required to have their own Safeguarding Policies and will also be required to agree to the RSC Safeguarding Policy.
• Groups must provide a full risk assessment for their activity/event.
• While we will do our best to ensure all activity/ events will take place, the space is outdoors and therefore could be cancelled due to in-climate weather. Unfortunately, no alternative venue is available.