A brief history of New Stages

New Stages Peterborough was founded by Randy Read in 1997. For its first five years, New Stages ran as a summer theatre, with full professional productions of plays by Norm Foster and Dave Carley, as well as musical revues and productions like Sylvia, Mass Appeal, Problem Child, and Vigil.

In 2002, New Stages reinvented itself as a Fall to Spring theatre company, often producing one play in a year, plus cabaret nights, and a series of play readings with professional actors. For 25 years, Randy consistently brought exciting seasons of high-quality professional theatre to Peterborough.

Mark Wallace became the Artistic Director in 2023, when Randy retired from New Stages. Today, New Stages produces a season that includes an exciting mix of productions, staged readings, new Canadian work, and musical events.

New Stages remains a professional not-for-profit charitable theatre company based in Peterborough, Ontario, with a focus on producing and presenting high-quality, thought-provoking contemporary theatre. We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive community hub, a destination for local residents and tourists to see top-quality theatre, and a signature cultural provider for the region.