Large theatre productions use De Meerpaal in Dronten to rehearse and try out performances before taking them on tour. According to Miel Gouda of production company MediaLane, the theatre’s spacious stage and backstage areas, including dressing rooms and rehearsal rooms, make it suitable for this work. De Meerpaal can also adjust its programming to host productions for several days, according to director Janita Tobacco.

The cast and production team of 101 Dalmatians were rehearsing at De Meerpaal to refine the performance, including its lighting, sound, set changes and orchestra. The try-outs were scheduled to begin in Dronten on Friday 16 October. The theatre described hosting and developing major productions as a way to strengthen its profile alongside staging performances.