FIRST IN THREE is a chance for theatre-makers, writers and performers to showcase new work and try it out for the first time in front of an audience in Stage 3 at Northern Stage. The audience are asked to give written feedback, answering questions set by the performers, and are encouraged to hang around afterwards, have a drink, and chat to the performers about their pieces.  The evenings have a lovely, collbaorative and generous feel to them and are a great chance for artists to see each others work and make connections.

"As an artist, I had been looking to work with two other female artists for some time.  I need look no further than First in Three - a brilliant opportunity to see who is out there, what they are doing and to network adn share ideas as  a result."  Claire Morgan, Monkfish Productions

There’s no money for the acts but it’s a good chance to try stuff out and get feedback on it, in a friendly environment. We welcome proposals from professionals, students, and in fact anyone who has a good idea. We also like to present a real mix of work at these nights, so you’ll see comedy alongside serious drama, and performance art alongside new writing.

We want to provide a resource for people making theatre locally, and help them develop their work. FIRST IN THREE also helps us find out about the work that is happening in the region, and to build relationships with those who are making it.

How to get involved:

If you would like to come along to see FIRST IN THREE or if you are interested in proposing something, the upcoming dates are:

Wed 7 October

Thur 12 November (see below for special information about November's event)

Thur 10 December

Artists are asked to submit a proposal to us by filling in a dedicated form.  These can be obtained by contacting Jo Cundall; jcundall@northernstage.co.uk or 0191 242 7217. 

We are aware that sometimes ideas are better explained face to face and we will endeavour to try to meet the artists we are interested in showcasing.  This isn't always possible, but if you feel strongly that you want to demonstrate, or expand on details the form doesn't allow for, then we will try our best to find time to do so.  We receive lots more proposals than we have space for, so ultimately we have to make some tough decisions.

Pieces can be anything from a few to around 30 minutes long.  We also offer our contacts with actors and directors to enable writers to bring their work to this event.  In this case we would ask writers to submit their script with their proposal.  Deadlines for proposals will fall 6 weeks before each performance date.

If you would like a proposal form, or have a question that isn't answered above, please email Jo Cundall on jcundall@northernstage.co.uk

**Northern Stage's 'First In Three' is diversifying...

As part of the city-wide Wunderbar Festival 2009, a dynamic new festival of contemporary performances, visual art and extraordinary happenings in the North East,  November's 'First In Three' program will be given over to celebrate live art and experimental performance practices.

We'll be inviting submissions from a variety of art forms - visual art, theatre, dance, interdisciplinary modes of performance and everything else in between - but we're looking for performances that place the audience at the heart of the experience, exploring an innovation of performance and audience engagement.  Stage 3 is the main site for the eventing, but we're open to your suggestions for creative use of space around the building.

The process will be the same; you will need to complete a proposal form and identify two feedback questions to ask the audience.  The night will be curated by and hosted by artist/curator Nicola Singh, Wunderbar's curatorial intern, in collaboration with the Northern Stage team.