New Stages presents the 2026 Brand New Stages Festival

Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2026 | Peterborough / Nogojiwanong

Brand New Stages returns to Peterborough for its 3rd annual festival of new Canadian theatre, bringing six days of bold, imaginative, and deeply human stories to life in the heart of winter. Featuring 7 plays in 6 days, over 40 local and national artists, and performances across Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and The Theatre on King (TTOK), the festival showcases brand-new work at exciting stages of development—from gripping contemporary dramas and absurd comedies to inventive family-friendly storytelling.

With three mainstage presentations at Market Hall and four eclectic events at TTOK, audiences can experience staged readings, experimental works, and communal storytelling led by some of Canada’s most respected playwrights, directors, and performers. Highlights include The Cull, a timely modern drama featuring a powerhouse cast of Canadian stage and screen talent; 12 Dinners, an acclaimed semi-autobiographical work gaining national attention; and Munsch Goes Wild, a high-energy Sunday morning treat for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

Committed to accessibility, ticket prices are kept intentionally low to encourage audiences to brave the cold and gather for a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and new voices in Canadian theatre.

Festival details and tickets are available at newstages.ca, or through Market Hall and The Theatre on King box offices.