IF you ever wanted to find out what goes into creating a stage production, a musical performance or an exhibition, Open Rehearsal is returning at the end of September, giving Londoners and visitors to the capital another chance to go behind the scenes at many of city's greatest arts institutions and cultural organisations.

Now in its fourth year, Open Rehearsal 2008, which is organised by the Greater London Authority, takes place between 26-28 September, with an even bigger programme that features more than 300 events and activities in every borough across the capital, including, for the first time, visual arts, museums and open studio events.

This year's programme is a key part of Open Weekend, helping to kick off the Cultural Olympiad.

Amongst those taking part is the Dances of India show at the Croydon Youth Theatre. On September 27, visitors will be able turn up to take a sneaky look at dancers rehearsing for the shows and practicing their intricate Bollywood and classical dance moves. Audiences will also be able to join in with certain parts of choreography, and hear the choreographer talk about the themes of the dances. Entry is free from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the theatre on Oakley Road, South Norwood, London.

A taste of ancient culture is on offer at the Asian Music Centre in Acton. The centre will be holding performances that revolve around the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and its ancient cultural dance and music traditions. Founded in the 15th century, the monastery is said to be one of the most important monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It is now once again becoming one of the major centres of learning, best known for its artistic tradition of masked dances and sacred music.

At the Asian Music Centre on 26 and 27 September visitors will be able hear a unique demonstration of khangso (prayer) with the monastic orchestra of bells, cymbals, great long horns and drums. They will also be able to have a go at the great Dungchen (Long Horns) and various percussion instruments, and learn the intricate mudras – hand gestures to go along with the chanting. There will also be an exhibition on Tibetan costume, masks and sand painting. For more information visit www.amc.org.uk.

A dance ‘Fusion Spectacular’ will take place at Wembley Arena with Culture8 on 28 September. Here Brent’s ENCEE Academy’s dancers have joined forces with Westminster’s Donna Maria’s Maypole dancers to create a unique fusion of Indian and British traditional folk dance.

Both dances are celebrations of the seasons, so the performance features pastel coloured May Day dresses alongside autumnal Navratri costumes. Spectators are invited to join in with the dancing, and take hold of a ribbon from the maypole or find a dance partner to experience a fusion spectacular.

Fusion Spectacular is a free event. For further information regarding Culture8 go to www.westlondonmarathon.org.uk

As part of its annual Ramadan Nights Festival, which celebrates the rich diversity of the world’s Muslim cultures, The Barbican will be presenting a series of Open Rehearsal events on Sat 27 September.

The ‘Ramadan Nights – Behind the Scenes’ audiences can participate in a series of talks, workshops, open rehearsals and free concerts in the Barbican foyer. They will also be able to watch Iran’s leading ensemble, The Kamkars, and the Kudsi Erguner, the Turkish ‘ney’ (flute) player perform in the Barbican Hall. The Kamkars, Iran‘s leading music ensemble, are a Kurdish family of virtuosic singers and instrumentalists who have been described as ‘An Asian answer to the Chieftains’. And Kudsi Erguner has wowed audiences with his unique ‘Islam Blues’ project, which skilfully blends Sufi influences with jazz instrumentation. For more information about Ramadan Nights visit www.barbican.org.uk

There will be more exciting opportunities to practise Indian dance moves at the Harrow Arts Centre from 26 September to 28 September.

All ages are welcome to take part in some free ‘taster’ classes and workshops involve Indian Percussion, North Indian Classical Dance, and South Indian Dance. No booking necessary, just turn up at least five minutes before the start of a session! 26 Sep: 6pm-8pm, 27 Sept: 9am-4.30pm, 28 Sept: 10.30am-12 noon Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA

And even more dance practice is on offer at Patidar House on 23 September, where visitors will be able to take part in Indian Classical and Modern Fusion Dance Workshops. This workshop will explore North Indian Classical Kathak dance and modern Bollywood dance. The session will cover dance poses, moves, expressions, music, history of the two dance styles.  It will take place between  11am-1pm at Patidar House, 22 London Road, Wembley, Middlesex and is £5 to take part.

These events are just a small selection of more than 300 that are taking place across the capital – there should be something of interest for everyone, from a dance workshop with the Merce Cunningham Company at the Barbican, to a playwriting workshop at the Royal Court Theatre.

For the first time, the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera and the orchestra of the Royal Opera House are opening their rehearsals to the public, offering a unique insight into the world famous organisation, and the BBC Singers, the UK's only full-time professional chamber choir are giving would be singers a fantastic opportunity to develop technique and learn new repertoire.

Munira Mirza, Director for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy at the GLA said: "Open Rehearsal is about getting Londoners of all ages and backgrounds engaged in new and exciting ways with the arts and cultural sector in London, which fits very well with what the spirit of the Cultural Olympiad. This is a huge programme and because things are happening in every borough, even more people will have the chance to experience it."

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who is backing the festival, said: "London can't be beaten for the range, originality and bravura that characterises its arts and cultural scene. We have some of the greatest arts organisations in the world and Open Rehearsal is a brilliant opportunity to find out what makes them tick and to learn something new."

Other organisations taking part in Open Rehearsal include: Ballet Central; Bureau of Silly Ideas; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Rich Mix; National Theatre; the ICA; Serpentine Gallery; Delfont Mackintosh Theatres; New Wimbledon Theatre; Lyric Hammersmith and National Theatre of Scotland; Museum of London; National Gallery; National Portrait Gallery; Somerset House; London Bubble Theatre; Cardboard Citizens; Blackheath Halls; Shape, Tara Arts; The Place; The Old Vic; Watermans; V&A; Wellcome Collection; Arcola Theatre; Pinewood Studios; and many more.

A programme has been produced which will be available shortly. In the meantime it is available as PDF and the website provides comprehensive information, which is being continually updated: www.openrehearsal.co.uk.