diff --git a/tests/conform/test-actor-invariants.c b/tests/conform/test-actor-invariants.c
index 5c3e2d034..0ecdb73f8 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-actor-invariants.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-actor-invariants.c
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ test_realized (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *actor;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   actor = clutter_rectangle_new ();
 
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ test_realized (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_assert (!(CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_MAPPED (actor)));
   g_assert (!(CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_VISIBLE (actor)));
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (actor);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ test_mapped (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *actor;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_actor_show (stage);
 
   actor = clutter_rectangle_new ();
@@ -85,8 +85,7 @@ test_mapped (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_assert (CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_MAPPED (actor));
   g_assert (CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_VISIBLE (actor));
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (actor);
-  clutter_actor_hide (stage);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -96,7 +95,7 @@ test_realize_not_recursive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *actor, *group;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_actor_show (stage);
 
   group = clutter_group_new ();
@@ -126,8 +125,7 @@ test_realize_not_recursive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_assert (!(CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_MAPPED (actor)));
   g_assert (!(CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_VISIBLE (actor)));
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (group);
-  clutter_actor_hide (stage);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -137,7 +135,7 @@ test_map_recursive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *actor, *group;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_actor_show (stage);
 
   group = clutter_group_new ();
@@ -177,8 +175,7 @@ test_map_recursive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_assert (CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_VISIBLE (group));
   g_assert (CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_VISIBLE (actor));
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (group);
-  clutter_actor_hide (stage);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -189,7 +186,7 @@ test_show_on_set_parent (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   gboolean show_on_set_parent;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   group = clutter_group_new ();
 
@@ -227,6 +224,7 @@ test_show_on_set_parent (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   clutter_actor_destroy (actor);
   clutter_actor_destroy (group);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -238,7 +236,7 @@ test_clone_no_map (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *actor;
   ClutterActor *clone;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_actor_show (stage);
 
   group = clutter_group_new ();
@@ -262,8 +260,7 @@ test_clone_no_map (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   clutter_actor_destroy (CLUTTER_ACTOR (clone));
   clutter_actor_destroy (CLUTTER_ACTOR (group));
-
-  clutter_actor_hide (stage);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -331,3 +328,20 @@ test_contains (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
                        ==,
                        expected_results[x * 10 + y]);
 }
+
+void
+default_stage (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
+               gconstpointer             data)
+{
+  ClutterActor *stage, *def_stage;
+
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
+  def_stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+
+  if (clutter_feature_available (CLUTTER_FEATURE_STAGE_MULTIPLE))
+    g_assert (stage != def_stage);
+  else
+    g_assert (stage == def_stage);
+
+  g_assert (CLUTTER_ACTOR_IS_REALIZED (def_stage));
+}
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-anchors.c b/tests/conform/test-anchors.c
index 8592a0640..238c39008 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-anchors.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-anchors.c
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ actor_anchors (void)
   TestState state;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   state.rect = clutter_rectangle_new ();
   clutter_container_add (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (stage), state.rect, NULL);
@@ -699,6 +699,6 @@ actor_anchors (void)
 
   g_idle_remove_by_data (&state);
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (state.rect);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cally-text.c b/tests/conform/test-cally-text.c
index ef17055b0..32d7afb70 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cally-text.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cally-text.c
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ cally_text (void)
 
   memset (&data, 0, sizeof (data));
 
-  data.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  data.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   data.default_attributes = default_attributes;
   data.run_attributes = build_attribute_set ("fg-color", "0,0,0", NULL);
@@ -294,9 +294,8 @@ cally_text (void)
   data.extents_height = 17;
   clutter_actor_set_position (data.label, 20, 100);
 
-
   memset (&data1, 0, sizeof (data1));
-  data1.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  data1.stage = data.stage;
   data1.default_attributes = default_attributes;
   data1.run_attributes = build_attribute_set ("bg-color", "0,65535,0",
                                               "fg-color", "65535,65535,0",
@@ -314,11 +313,12 @@ cally_text (void)
   clutter_actor_set_position (data1.label, 20, 200);
   data.next = &data1;
 
-
   clutter_actor_show (data.stage);
   clutter_threads_add_idle ((GSourceFunc) do_tests, &data);
   clutter_main ();
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (data.stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("\nOverall result: ");
 
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-clutter-cairo-texture.c b/tests/conform/test-clutter-cairo-texture.c
index a6b73c83b..4c87fcb93 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-clutter-cairo-texture.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-clutter-cairo-texture.c
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ test_clutter_cairo_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   unsigned int paint_handler;
 
   state.frame = 0;
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   state.progress = TEST_BEFORE_DRAW_FIRST_FRAME;
 
   state.ct = clutter_cairo_texture_new (BLOCK_SIZE * 2, BLOCK_SIZE);
@@ -192,5 +192,7 @@ test_clutter_cairo_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
+
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 }
 
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-clutter-texture.c b/tests/conform/test-clutter-texture.c
index df0162c02..c13db2254 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-clutter-texture.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-clutter-texture.c
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ test_texture_pick_with_alpha (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
                               gconstpointer data)
 {
   ClutterTexture *tex = CLUTTER_TEXTURE (clutter_texture_new ());
-  ClutterStage *stage = CLUTTER_STAGE (clutter_stage_get_default ());
+  ClutterStage *stage = CLUTTER_STAGE (clutter_stage_new ());
   ClutterActor *actor;
 
   clutter_texture_set_cogl_texture (tex, make_texture ());
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ test_texture_pick_with_alpha (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
     g_print ("actor @ (10, 10) = %p\n", actor);
   g_assert (actor == CLUTTER_ACTOR (tex));
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (CLUTTER_ACTOR (tex));
+  clutter_actor_destroy (CLUTTER_ACTOR (stage));
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-backface-culling.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-backface-culling.c
index bcef760a8..5f139bfd1 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-backface-culling.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-backface-culling.c
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ test_cogl_backface_culling (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_actor_get_size (stage, &stage_width, &stage_height);
 
   state.offscreen = COGL_INVALID_HANDLE;
@@ -333,7 +333,8 @@ test_cogl_backface_culling (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   cogl_handle_unref (state.offscreen_tex);
   cogl_handle_unref (state.texture);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-blend-strings.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-blend-strings.c
index 852e722ed..a2a683769 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-blend-strings.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-blend-strings.c
@@ -405,7 +405,7 @@ test_cogl_blend_strings (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -426,7 +426,8 @@ test_cogl_blend_strings (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-depth-test.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-depth-test.c
index 335e55820..4e2a62531 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-depth-test.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-depth-test.c
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ test_cogl_depth_test (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -329,7 +329,8 @@ test_cogl_depth_test (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-just-vertex-shader.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-just-vertex-shader.c
index d0cceebba..df9fcc012 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-just-vertex-shader.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-just-vertex-shader.c
@@ -112,11 +112,11 @@ test_cogl_just_vertex_shader (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *stage;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
-
   /* If shaders aren't supported then we can't run the test */
   if (cogl_features_available (COGL_FEATURE_SHADERS_GLSL))
     {
+      stage = clutter_stage_new ();
+
       clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
       paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (stage, "paint",
@@ -128,10 +128,11 @@ test_cogl_just_vertex_shader (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
       g_signal_handler_disconnect (stage, paint_handler);
 
+      clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
       if (g_test_verbose ())
         g_print ("OK\n");
     }
   else if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("Skipping\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-materials.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-materials.c
index 0abf5641e..10039fcf3 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-materials.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-materials.c
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ test_cogl_materials (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   test_conform_get_gl_functions (&gl_functions);
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -346,7 +346,8 @@ test_cogl_materials (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-multitexture.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-multitexture.c
index 71c21f46b..ed88484ac 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-multitexture.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-multitexture.c
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ test_cogl_multitexture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -201,6 +201,8 @@ test_cogl_multitexture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-npot-texture.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-npot-texture.c
index 274ba03b3..3b21ba51d 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-npot-texture.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-npot-texture.c
@@ -32,15 +32,18 @@ static const ClutterColor corner_colors[PARTS * PARTS] =
 
 typedef struct _TestState
 {
+  ClutterActor *stage;
   guint frame;
   CoglHandle texture;
 } TestState;
 
 static gboolean
-validate_part (int xnum, int ynum, const ClutterColor *color)
+validate_part (ClutterActor *stage,
+               int xnum,
+               int ynum,
+               const ClutterColor *color)
 {
   guchar *pixels, *p;
-  ClutterActor *stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
   gboolean ret = TRUE;
 
   /* Read the appropriate part but skip out a few pixels around the
@@ -75,10 +78,10 @@ validate_result (TestState *state)
 {
   /* Validate that all four corners of the texture are drawn in the
      right color */
-  g_assert (validate_part (0, 0, corner_colors + 0));
-  g_assert (validate_part (1, 0, corner_colors + 1));
-  g_assert (validate_part (0, 1, corner_colors + 2));
-  g_assert (validate_part (1, 1, corner_colors + 3));
+  g_assert (validate_part (state->stage, 0, 0, corner_colors + 0));
+  g_assert (validate_part (state->stage, 1, 0, corner_colors + 1));
+  g_assert (validate_part (state->stage, 0, 1, corner_colors + 2));
+  g_assert (validate_part (state->stage, 1, 1, corner_colors + 3));
 
   /* Comment this out if you want visual feedback of what this test
    * paints.
@@ -208,7 +211,7 @@ test_cogl_npot_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   state.texture = make_texture ();
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -230,7 +233,8 @@ test_cogl_npot_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   cogl_handle_unref (state.texture);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-offscreen.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-offscreen.c
index a7f67416c..72d63f195 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-offscreen.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-offscreen.c
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ test_cogl_offscreen (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
   /* We force continuous redrawing of the stage, since we need to skip
@@ -156,12 +156,8 @@ test_cogl_offscreen (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-path.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-path.c
index 1daa57f5b..0a4f1be78 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-path.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-path.c
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ test_cogl_path (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   unsigned int paint_handler;
 
   state.frame = 0;
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
 
   /* We force continuous redrawing of the stage, since we need to skip
@@ -228,7 +228,8 @@ test_cogl_path (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-pipeline-user-matrix.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-pipeline-user-matrix.c
index afbeaaf00..15a650407 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-pipeline-user-matrix.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-pipeline-user-matrix.c
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ test_cogl_pipeline_user_matrix (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -139,6 +139,8 @@ test_cogl_pipeline_user_matrix (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
   g_signal_handler_disconnect (stage, paint_handler);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-pixel-buffer.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-pixel-buffer.c
index 09faa578f..88d26b0ca 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-pixel-buffer.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-pixel-buffer.c
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ test_cogl_pixel_array (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   state.frame = 0;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   create_map_tile (&tiles[TILE_MAP]);
 #if 0
@@ -319,12 +319,8 @@ test_cogl_pixel_array (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
       cogl_handle_unref (state.tiles[i].texture);
     }
 
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (state.stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-premult.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-premult.c
index c0a874d92..284c8d478 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-premult.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-premult.c
@@ -340,7 +340,7 @@ test_cogl_premult (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   cogl_material_set_layer_combine (state.passthrough_material, 0,
                                    "RGBA = REPLACE (TEXTURE)", NULL);
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -361,7 +361,8 @@ test_cogl_premult (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-primitive.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-primitive.c
index 649ab81c3..4ee1efe46 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-primitive.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-primitive.c
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ test_cogl_primitive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *stage;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -224,7 +224,8 @@ test_cogl_primitive (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_signal_handler_disconnect (stage, paint_handler);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-readpixels.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-readpixels.c
index f0f23898a..646b24cbe 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-readpixels.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-readpixels.c
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ test_cogl_readpixels (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
   /* We force continuous redrawing of the stage, since we need to skip
@@ -167,12 +167,8 @@ test_cogl_readpixels (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-sub-texture.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-sub-texture.c
index 6cbafbf67..8fadc6994 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-sub-texture.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-sub-texture.c
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ test_cogl_sub_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   state.frame = 0;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   state.tex = create_source ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
@@ -361,12 +361,8 @@ test_cogl_sub_texture (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   cogl_handle_unref (state.tex);
 
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (state.stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-3d.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-3d.c
index 82b34ba08..c3ff3b45b 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-3d.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-3d.c
@@ -204,12 +204,11 @@ test_cogl_texture_3d (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *stage;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
-
   /* Check whether GL supports the rectangle extension. If not we'll
      just assume the test passes */
   if (cogl_features_available (COGL_FEATURE_TEXTURE_3D))
     {
+      stage = clutter_stage_new ();
       clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
       paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (stage, "paint",
@@ -221,10 +220,11 @@ test_cogl_texture_3d (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
       g_signal_handler_disconnect (stage, paint_handler);
 
+      clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
       if (g_test_verbose ())
         g_print ("OK\n");
     }
   else if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("Skipping\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-get-set-data.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-get-set-data.c
index 26ba05858..4bbf3802d 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-get-set-data.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-get-set-data.c
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ test_cogl_texture_get_set_data (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   /* We create a stage even though we don't usually need it so that if
      the draw-and-read texture fallback is needed then it will have
      something to draw to */
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (stage, "paint",
                                           G_CALLBACK (paint_cb), NULL);
@@ -161,6 +161,8 @@ test_cogl_texture_get_set_data (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_signal_handler_disconnect (stage, paint_handler);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-mipmaps.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-mipmaps.c
index d62b542d3..37b4b0a6c 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-mipmaps.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-mipmaps.c
@@ -111,8 +111,7 @@ test_cogl_texture_mipmaps (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
-
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
   group = clutter_group_new ();
@@ -131,6 +130,8 @@ test_cogl_texture_mipmaps (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-pixmap-x11.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-pixmap-x11.c
index 36f86d458..b04e6bc40 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-pixmap-x11.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-pixmap-x11.c
@@ -202,44 +202,44 @@ test_cogl_texture_pixmap_x11 (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
                               gconstpointer data)
 {
 #ifdef CLUTTER_WINDOWING_X11
+  if (clutter_check_windowing_backend (CLUTTER_WINDOWING_X11))
+    {
+      TestState state;
+      guint idle_handler;
+      guint paint_handler;
 
-  TestState state;
-  guint idle_handler;
-  guint paint_handler;
+      state.frame_count = 0;
+      state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
-  state.frame_count = 0;
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+      state.display = clutter_x11_get_default_display ();
 
-  state.display = clutter_x11_get_default_display ();
+      state.pixmap = create_pixmap (&state);
+      state.tfp = cogl_texture_pixmap_x11_new (state.pixmap, TRUE);
 
-  state.pixmap = create_pixmap (&state);
-  state.tfp = cogl_texture_pixmap_x11_new (state.pixmap, TRUE);
+      clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
 
-  clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
+      paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (state.stage, "paint",
+                                              G_CALLBACK (on_paint), &state);
 
-  paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (state.stage, "paint",
-                                          G_CALLBACK (on_paint), &state);
+      idle_handler = g_idle_add (queue_redraw, state.stage);
 
-  idle_handler = g_idle_add (queue_redraw, state.stage);
+      clutter_actor_show_all (state.stage);
 
-  clutter_actor_show_all (state.stage);
+      clutter_main ();
 
-  clutter_main ();
+      g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
 
-  g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
+      g_source_remove (idle_handler);
 
-  g_source_remove (idle_handler);
+      XFreePixmap (state.display, state.pixmap);
 
-  XFreePixmap (state.display, state.pixmap);
+      clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 
+      if (g_test_verbose ())
+        g_print ("OK\n");
+    }
+  else
+#endif
   if (g_test_verbose ())
-    g_print ("OK\n");
-
-#else /* CLUTTER_WINDOWING_X11 */
-
-  if (g_test_verbose ())
-   g_print ("Skipping\n");
-
-#endif /* CLUTTER_WINDOWING_X11 */
+    g_print ("Skipping\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-rectangle.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-rectangle.c
index 2839ea10c..15d991d5e 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-rectangle.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-texture-rectangle.c
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ test_cogl_texture_rectangle (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   test_conform_get_gl_functions (&gl_functions);
 
@@ -273,6 +273,8 @@ test_cogl_texture_rectangle (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
       g_source_remove (idle_source);
       g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
 
+      clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
+
       if (g_test_verbose ())
         g_print ("OK\n");
     }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-contiguous.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-contiguous.c
index dbc069753..bace61c1b 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-contiguous.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-contiguous.c
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_contiguous (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
     0x00, 0xff, 0x00, 0xff
   };
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_clr);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -251,7 +251,8 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_contiguous (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-interleved.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-interleved.c
index d8cd7cc19..e7c955942 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-interleved.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-interleved.c
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_interleved (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_clr);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -156,7 +156,8 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_interleved (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-mutability.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-mutability.c
index 023df6173..08d6377e4 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-mutability.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-vertex-buffer-mutability.c
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_mutability (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *group;
   guint idle_source;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_clr);
   clutter_actor_get_geometry (stage, &state.stage_geom);
@@ -192,7 +192,8 @@ test_cogl_vertex_buffer_mutability (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-viewport.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-viewport.c
index 778bae011..b3226cd25 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-viewport.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-viewport.c
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ test_cogl_viewport (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   ClutterActor *stage;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (stage), &stage_color);
 
   /* We force continuous redrawing of the stage, since we need to skip
@@ -405,12 +405,8 @@ test_cogl_viewport (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
 
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-cogl-wrap-modes.c b/tests/conform/test-cogl-wrap-modes.c
index 0a5eaea26..499b66e90 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-cogl-wrap-modes.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-cogl-wrap-modes.c
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ test_cogl_wrap_modes (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   guint idle_source;
   guint paint_handler;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -312,6 +312,8 @@ test_cogl_wrap_modes (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   g_source_remove (idle_source);
   g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-conform-main.c b/tests/conform/test-conform-main.c
index 3373e9481..7a187b92c 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-conform-main.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-conform-main.c
@@ -145,6 +145,7 @@ main (int argc, char **argv)
   TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/invariants", test_show_on_set_parent);
   TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/invariants", test_clone_no_map);
   TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/invariants", test_contains);
+  TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/invariants", default_stage);
 
   TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/opacity", test_label_opacity);
   TEST_CONFORM_SIMPLE ("/opacity", test_rectangle_opacity);
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-offscreen-redirect.c b/tests/conform/test-offscreen-redirect.c
index 0952fa315..62d834e93 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-offscreen-redirect.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-offscreen-redirect.c
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ test_offscreen_redirect (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
     {
       Data data;
 
-      data.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+      data.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
       data.parent_container = clutter_group_new ();
 
@@ -337,6 +337,8 @@ test_offscreen_redirect (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
       clutter_main ();
 
+      clutter_actor_destroy (data.stage);
+
       if (g_test_verbose ())
         g_print ("OK\n");
     }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-paint-opacity.c b/tests/conform/test-paint-opacity.c
index 3dd48e912..2bd2970b5 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-paint-opacity.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-paint-opacity.c
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ test_label_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterColor label_color = { 255, 0, 0, 128 };
   ClutterColor color_check = { 0, };
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   label = clutter_text_new_with_text ("Sans 18px", "Label, 50% opacity");
   clutter_text_set_color (CLUTTER_TEXT (label), &label_color);
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ test_label_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   clutter_actor_set_opacity (label, 128);
   g_assert (clutter_actor_get_paint_opacity (label) == 128);
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (label);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ test_rectangle_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterColor rect_color = { 0, 0, 255, 255 };
   ClutterColor color_check = { 0, };
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   rect = clutter_rectangle_new_with_color (&rect_color);
   clutter_actor_set_size (rect, 128, 128);
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ test_rectangle_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
     g_print ("rect 100%%.get_paint_opacity()\n");
   g_assert (clutter_actor_get_paint_opacity (rect) == 255);
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (rect);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
 
 void
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ test_paint_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterColor rect_color = { 0, 0, 255, 255 };
   ClutterColor color_check = { 0, };
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   group1 = clutter_group_new ();
   clutter_actor_set_opacity (group1, 128);
@@ -138,7 +138,5 @@ test_paint_opacity (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
     g_print ("rect 100%%.get_paint_opacity()\n");
   g_assert (clutter_actor_get_paint_opacity (rect) == 128);
 
-  clutter_actor_destroy (rect);
-  clutter_actor_destroy (group2);
-  clutter_actor_destroy (group1);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-pick.c b/tests/conform/test-pick.c
index 845d39dec..affef2866 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-pick.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-pick.c
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ actor_picking (void)
   
   state.pass = TRUE;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   state.actor_width = STAGE_WIDTH / ACTORS_X;
   state.actor_height = STAGE_HEIGHT / ACTORS_Y;
@@ -271,9 +271,10 @@ actor_picking (void)
 
   clutter_main ();
 
-
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("end result: %s\n", state.pass ? "pass" : "FAIL");
 
   g_assert (state.pass);
+
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-score.c b/tests/conform/test-score.c
index 65384f10c..2554cfdd7 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-score.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-score.c
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ test_score (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterTimeline *timeline_5;
   GSList *timelines;
 
-  /* this is necessary to make the master clock spin */
+  /* FIXME - this is necessary to make the master clock spin */
   (void) clutter_stage_get_default ();
 
   timeline_1 = clutter_timeline_new (100);
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-shader-effect.c b/tests/conform/test-shader-effect.c
index 916edf757..a21db610f 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-shader-effect.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-shader-effect.c
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ test_shader_effect (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   ClutterActor *stage;
   ClutterActor *rect;
 
-  stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   rect = make_actor (foo_old_shader_effect_get_type ());
   clutter_container_add_actor (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (stage), rect);
@@ -262,6 +262,8 @@ test_shader_effect (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
 
   clutter_main ();
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-text-cache.c b/tests/conform/test-text-cache.c
index fc41b0200..82884df1c 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-text-cache.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-text-cache.c
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ text_cache (void)
 
   memset (&data, 0, sizeof (data));
 
-  data.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  data.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   data.label = clutter_text_new_with_text (TEST_FONT, "");
 
@@ -279,6 +279,8 @@ text_cache (void)
 
   clutter_main ();
 
+  clutter_actor_destroy (data.stage);
+
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("\nOverall result: ");
 
diff --git a/tests/conform/test-texture-fbo.c b/tests/conform/test-texture-fbo.c
index 9aa696db5..4ef7b8d4c 100644
--- a/tests/conform/test-texture-fbo.c
+++ b/tests/conform/test-texture-fbo.c
@@ -173,14 +173,12 @@ test_texture_fbo (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
                   gconstpointer data)
 {
   TestState state;
-  guint idle_source;
-  gulong paint_handler;
   ClutterActor *actor;
   int ypos = 0;
 
   state.frame = 0;
 
-  state.stage = clutter_stage_get_default ();
+  state.stage = clutter_stage_new ();
 
   clutter_stage_set_color (CLUTTER_STAGE (state.stage), &stage_color);
 
@@ -229,25 +227,15 @@ test_texture_fbo (TestConformSimpleFixture *fixture,
   /* We force continuous redrawing of the stage, since we need to skip
    * the first few frames, and we wont be doing anything else that
    * will trigger redrawing. */
-  idle_source = g_idle_add (queue_redraw, state.stage);
-
-  paint_handler = g_signal_connect_after (state.stage, "paint",
-                                          G_CALLBACK (on_paint), &state);
+  g_idle_add (queue_redraw, state.stage);
+  g_signal_connect_after (state.stage, "paint", G_CALLBACK (on_paint), &state);
 
   clutter_actor_show_all (state.stage);
 
   clutter_main ();
 
-  g_signal_handler_disconnect (state.stage, paint_handler);
-
-  g_source_remove (idle_source);
-
-  /* Remove all of the actors from the stage */
-  clutter_container_foreach (CLUTTER_CONTAINER (state.stage),
-                             (ClutterCallback) clutter_actor_destroy,
-                             NULL);
+  clutter_actor_destroy (state.stage);
 
   if (g_test_verbose ())
     g_print ("OK\n");
 }
-