Use of Arduino shield off the Arduino

Would it be possible to utilize an Arduino Motor Shield V3 without actually stacking it on top of the Arduino Uno? I am wanting to use multiple shields. Is the only way to make them all work, stacking them?

No, you could connect it with jumper wires. Multiple shields could be used this way. Why do you not want to stack them?

Unstacking allows more flexibility in where the control signals go.
2 identical boards cannot be stacked if they do not allow for different control signal selection.

I am wanting to use multiple motor shields to control multiple motors. And use a proto shield on each to keep it all clean.