16 practitioners took part in the inaugural Next Stage in 2007. You can see the 2007 programme here.

They were: Alice Coghlan, Maeve Fitzgerald, Róise Goan, Nicholas Johnson, Emma Jordan, Wayne Jordan, Louise Lowe, Darragh McKeon, Phillip McMahon, Sophie Motley, Emma O’Kane, Jody O'Neill, Deirdre Roycroft, Claudia Schwartz, Will St Leger, Rachel West

And here’s what they had to say about The Next Stage experience:

“A career changing experience which has sent me on new and exciting directions. An essential building block for your entire career as a theatre practitioner. A vital opportunity to find out about the cutting edge of theatre outside of Ireland and to set yourself off in new and unexpected directions. An intense, thrilling and important opportunity” Alice Coghlan

“Submerging myself for three whole weeks in the Next Stage provided me with a rare and fantastic opportunity to engage in a critical dialogue with other like-minded emerging artists and in turn to learn from renowned practitioners.

It was a tough, physically demanding, mentally exhausting and truly liberating experience.  I loved every moment!

At the end of the programme I felt both excited and humbled. The Next Stage really challenged where I saw myself as a practitioner and my work has definitely been inspired as a result of being involved in the programme.  'Change or die'… Arpad Schilling said, I think he may be right” Louise Lowe

“I found the experience to be captivating and funny. It created strong links between us and gently questioned our place in the world – Which is pretty much the same as what good theatre does.” Daragh McKeon

“For me, The Next Stage was truly revolutionary. Being in a room with so many talented young theatre makers was amazing. There was so much magic in the room even before any of the guests arrived. The workshop leaders and speakers were practical and inspirational, and each one left a huge impression on the group. To say that the next stage has impacted on my work would be an understatement. I couldn't praise the course highly enough...if I could do it every year I would!” Philip McMahon

“The Next Stage set me in an exciting direction, furthering my investigation of what happens when text and movement meet. It broadened my outlook on aspects of theatre that I wouldn’t necessarily have been too familiar with due to my extensive dance background.

A year on, it has informed my work greatly and it continues to do so. Professional bonds were forged in the vibrant atmosphere of Next Stage, which has resulted in the fruition of work partnerships and an ongoing exchange of creative ideas.

I would highly recommend the Next Stage to any fellow dance artist. It is a unique challenge that will inform their career in so many ways: with a new perspective, a greater understanding of theatre and most notably, an inclination to question their own work, opening them up to infinite artistic possibilities and ultimately informing their future works.”  Emma O’Kane

“In the weeks following the Next Stage I felt renewed by the workshops we had attended and what visiting practitioners had offered us throughout the course.  I was invigorated and inspired by the huge range of performances we had seen.  But in the months since October 2007, I have realised that perhaps the most long-lasting aspect for me are the relationships I built with like-minded Ireland-based practitioners with whom I regularly work now.” Jody O’Neill

“The Next Stage was such a powerful program of workshops, discussions and active participation that it had an immediate and lasting effect on my work as a visual artist. Put in 100% into it and you will reap great rewards.” Will St Leger