Consider the number of people, communities and cities on the shores of all the rivers, inland waterways and coastal waters in Europe and beyond. Consider reaching these people with a theatrical venture that comes to them on the very waters that lap their harbours and waterfronts. Consider watching a show being performed on the deck of a tall ship with the natural elements always at play: the audience sitting on the earth, with the backdrop of the water and a roof of open air! This is what you have with the Caravan Stage.

The Caravan Stage design is based on the traditional Thames River Sailing Barge blended with the best cf contemporary marine and theatre technology. With its shallow draft of 1.2 meters and its self-lowering masts via on-deck winches the boat can access virtually any waterfront community in North America. The Caravan Stage incorporates the sailing masts and rigging for the scenery, light and sound equipment and special effects. The shows are staged on the entire deck, on the masts and rigging, on the water and land surrounding the vessel. The audience sits on the shore enjoying the performances while sitting on the grass, canal bank, or bleachers.

The shows on the Caravan Stage embody the long tradition of Caravan productions with their combination of innovative stylistic staging, imaginative music and dance, and colorful entertaining themes. The Caravan show are all original productions expressing the issues and concerns of people inhabiting the environment of the 2Oth and 2lst centuries. The Caravan integrates text, poetry, humor, music, movement, masks, props and special effects into a magical theatrical experience that is both compelling and inspirational.

The Caravan's stage acts as a showcase for some of the best environmental technology of the present and the future. The Caravan Stage embodies, in its design, construction and operational procedures, a variety of ecological living systems such as: waste composting units, biological water purification machines, solar and wind generators, bio-diesel fuel systems. Through educational forums and public demonstration of these green systems, the Caravan Stage endeavors to instill a vision for all the inhabitants of the planet to work together to establish ecologically sustainable working and playing environments. 

Since its founding in 1970, the Caravan has provided invaluable opportunities for young people from all sectors of our multi-faceted society. Hundreds of people have learned the craft of theatre while experiencing a demanding living environment in which to develop self-reliance, individual confidence, and motivation.. In this way, the Caravan can provide a sustainable model for harmony and diversity.

The Caravan Stage is a floating stage crossing the realities of the present, connecting the bank of past images and ideas to the far shore of possibilities. The dream is painted with theatre, with dance, with music, with environmental technology, with social diversity, with sails, with wind, with artists, and with joy. The Caravan goal is to infuse your community with the mystery and surprise of a traveling troupe performing theatre which, for a moment in time, breaks the boundaries of the institutionalized conditions of everyday life.....transporting you to a dream time.