The Stevenage Lytton Players are producing the musical Ordinary Days, and we are seeking to develop a creative collaboration with Herts Visual Arts that connects live theatre with visual art practice.
Ordinary Days is set largely in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and explores themes of connection, everyday beauty, and the significance of small, often overlooked moments. These themes present a strong opportunity for artistic collaboration that bridges performance and visual art.
Proposed Collaboration Opportunities
1. Live Painting Performance
We propose incorporating a live visual art element into each performance.
A visual artist will create an artwork live throughout the duration of the performance (approximately 90 minutes), working in real time as the story unfolds. The artwork will then be displayed during the final song, which reflects on the beauty of everyday objects – a painting of apples.
- One artist per performance
- Performances on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th July (including Sat matinee)
This allows multiple artists to be involved while ensuring each performance offers a unique experience.
This offers:
- A continuously evolving visual element throughout the show
- A compelling fusion of artistic process and live performance
- A powerful final reveal that reinforces the show’s central theme: finding beauty in the ordinary
Artist Leon Barnes has kindly offered to take part in one performance and will donate the completed painting, which will be raffled to support the production and further engage audiences.
In return, we would offer participating artists:
- Complimentary tickets to attend another performance
- Promotion through our marketing channels and printed programme
- A platform to showcase work within a live theatrical setting
Artist Support & Flexibility
We recognise that painting live during a performance may feel daunting, and we want this opportunity to be as supportive and flexible as possible.
- Artists will have plenty of preparation time, including the opportunity to attend rehearsals and trial working within the 90-minute timeframe
- You are welcome to take part in rehearsals only, experiencing the process without committing to a live performance
- This can act as a stepping stone for future involvement if preferred
In addition:
- Any meet-and-greet with audiences is entirely optional
- Artists can choose whether they would like to speak to audiences about their work in a relaxed, informal way
Our aim is to create an environment that feels collaborative, low-pressure, and enjoyable for all involved.
2. Gallery Showcase Event (Saturday Between Performances – July 4th)
We propose hosting a gallery-style event on the Saturday afternoon between the two performances.
This would provide:
- An opportunity for Herts Visual Arts members to exhibit their work
- A chance for audience members to engage with local artists in a relaxed and social setting
- The potential for artworks to be viewed and purchased
This event would enhance the overall theatre experience, creating a broader cultural offering around the production.
3. On-Stage Artwork Display (Met Museum Setting)
As much of Ordinary Days is set within the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we propose incorporating selected artworks from Herts Visual Arts members into the stage design.
These artworks would:
- Be displayed on stage as part of the “museum” environment
- Be visible to audiences throughout all performances
- Contribute directly to the visual storytelling of the show
To support this, we would include a dedicated section within the programme featuring:
- Information about each artist and their work
- Details on how audience members can enquire about or purchase the artworks
This creates:
- A unique exhibition space within a theatrical setting
- Ongoing visibility for artists across multiple performances
- A direct link between audience engagement and potential sales
Why This Collaboration is Valuable for Artists
This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to connect visual art with live theatre, reaching new audiences and creating meaningful cross-disciplinary exposure.
Reach New Audiences
Across performances on 2nd–4th July (including matinee and evening shows), your work will be seen by over 250 audience members.
Each live artist will be featured in a dedicated performance, ensuring clear visibility and recognition.
Be Part of a Live Artistic Experience
Artists will have the opportunity to:
- Contribute work displayed on stage as part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art setting
- Take part as a live artist across a full performance (approx. 90 minutes), culminating in a final reveal
This places your work at the heart of a theatrical production, offering a rare and exciting form of collaboration between disciplines.
Promotion and Artist Visibility
We are committed to actively promoting participating artists:
- Artist profiles included in the printed programme
- Featured listings of artworks displayed on stage
- Information on how audiences can purchase or enquire about work
- Recognition across our marketing and communications
Sales Opportunities
This collaboration creates multiple routes for audiences to engage with and purchase artwork:
- Artworks displayed on stage and featured in the programme
- Additional works exhibited during the Saturday gallery showcase event
- Direct engagement with audiences who have already connected with the work through the performance
Supporting the Arts Community
The Stevenage Lytton Players is a registered charity. This collaboration supports our shared aim to:
- Strengthen connections between local arts organisations
- Attract new audiences to both theatre and visual arts
- Build a more vibrant and connected creative community
Optional Artwork Donation & Fundraising
Artists are welcome (but not expected) to donate artwork to be raffled.
- Raffle proceeds will support our charitable activities
- Donated works will receive additional visibility and recognition
- This provides an opportunity to contribute to sustaining local arts while showcasing your work
Closing
We believe this collaboration offers an exciting opportunity to bring together theatre and visual arts, enriching both the audience experience and the local creative community.
We would love to explore this partnership further and welcome any ideas or input from Herts Visual Arts.