What type of stages are there in Theatre?
- Proscenium stage: A proscenium theatre is what we usually think of as a "theatre".
- Thrust theatre: A Stage surrounded by audience on three sides.
- End Stage:
- Arena Theatre:
- Flexible theatre:
- Profile Theatres:
- Ancillary areas:
- Thrust theatres:
- Proscenium stages. Proscenium stages have an architectural frame, known as the proscenium arch, although not always arched in shape. ...
- Thrust stages. ...
- Theatres in-the-round. ...
- Arena theatres. ...
- Black-box or studio theatres. ...
- Platform stages. ...
- Hippodromes. ...
- Open air theatres.
What different types of staging in theatres are there?
What are the types of theatre stages and auditoria?
- Proscenium stages. Proscenium stages have an architectural frame, known as the proscenium arch, although not always arched in shape.
- Thrust stages. ...
- Theatres in-the-round. ...
- Arena theatres. ...
- Black-box or studio theatres. ...
- Platform stages. ...
- Hippodromes. ...
- Open air theatres. ...
- Site-specific theatre. ...
- Promenade theatre. ...
What are the 4 types of stages?
Stage types: Proscenium stage: A proscenium theatre is what we usually think of as a "theatre". Its primary feature is the Proscenium, a "picture frame" placed around the front of the playing area of an end stage. The frame is the Proscenium; the wings are spaces on either side, extending off-stage. Scenery can surround the acting area on all ...
What are the types of theatre stages and auditoria?
Types and forms of theatres 3 Spaces for drama 4 mall drama theatres S 4 Arena 4 Thrust 5 Endstage 5 Flexible theatres6 Environmental theatre 6 Promenade theatre 6 Black box theatre 7 Studio theatre 7 Courtyard theatre 8 Large drama theatres 9 Proscenium theatre 9 Thrust and open stage 10
Which are the different types of theatre staging?
We aim to link different types of art together to achieve a great experience.” Added Mr. Helaine. Hennessy continues this affinity with art and music by supporting artists and through the power of collaboration.
What are the three types of theater stages?
Types of Performance StagesProscenium Stage. When thinking of a “theatre stage”, this is what typically comes to mind. ... Thrust Stage. A thrust stage, which has the audience is on 3 sides will thrust into the auditorium seating space. ... Black Box or Flexible Theatre.
What are the levels in a theatre called?
The first level is usually called the dress circle or grand circle. The next level may be the loge, from the French version of loggia. A second tier inserted beneath the main balcony may be the mezzanine.
What are the 4 types of stages?
The four main types of stages are:Found stages.Proscenium stages.Thrust stages.Arena stages.
What are the four basic theater stages?
Every theatre is unique, but, with few exceptions, theatres, both Western and Asian, can be categorized into four basic forms: arena stage theatres (also referred to as theatre-in-the-round); thrust stage (or open stage) theatres; end stage theatres (of which proscenium theatres are a subset); and flexible stage ...
Where is the in-the-round stage?
An in-the-round stage is usually positioned at the center of the space, giving the audience a 360-degree view of the stage and the performers without any background wall. Being one of my favorite stage types, I love how easy it is to create a more natural actor and character relationship.
What is thrust stage?
Designed to increase intimacy between the actors and the audience, the typically T-shaped stage is another avenue to breaking the fourth wall. A thrust stage is typically shaped like a semi-circle or looks like a half polygon.
What is a black box theatre?
A black box theatre consists of a black square room and a flat floor. The space is often flexible in terms of staging and also offers alternate lighting configurations. Its simplicity enables performers to manipulate it easily to heighten interaction or engagement with the audience.
What is cabaret seating?
Popular in comedy and live cabaret venues, cabaret seating usually features a mixture of rows and tables giving audiences the chance to enjoy drinks and sometimes food with the entertainment. Sometimes drinks are served by waiters during in the show.
Do auditoriums have arch stage?
Most historical auditoriums have a proscenium arch stage. Before speakers and microphones were invented, the shape of the auditorium and direction of the stage assisted with the natural acoustics to amplify the voices of those on stage. Production values nowadays allow for much more expensive and impressive stage effects.
What are the different types of stage?
You may be surprised at just how many types of stages there are. While most of these setups are designed for interiors, there are a few types of theater stages that are ideal for exterior settings. Generally, performance stages can be divided into a handful of categories. Let’s take a moment to define ten specific stages and theater types to help determine which would best fit your unique performance needs. The four main types of stages are: 1 Found stages 2 Proscenium stages 3 Thrust stages 4 Arena stages
What is found stage?
Found Stage. A found stage is one of the simplest stages available. Also referred to as a found space or profile theater, found stages are non-theatrical areas that are converted into theater spaces. The beauty of found stages is that one can effectively create a theater in any context.
How are the end stage and thrust stage similar?
The end stage and the thrust stage are very similar. Both are typically square or rectangular, but could be of varying shapes. While the end stage has the audience only on one side of the stage, the thrust stage features audience members on three sides of the stage. This is because the stage thrusts out past the proscenium and into the audience. The size of the thrust stage could encompass the entire stage or essentially a large extension of the forestage or apron.
What is an end stage in a proscenium?
The audience is faced in a single direction and is usually rectangular or square in shape. A proscenium arch theater can feature an end stage, but that doesn’t mean all end stages are within proscenium theaters. End stages do not need to be limited to a square or rectangular design.
What is flexible theater?
The flexible theater allows the creative team to design both the stage and audience setup to their specific desires.
What is the most recognizable stage in the world?
2. Proscenium Stage. Of all the different types of theater stages, the proscenium stage is perhaps the most readily recognizable. Though many may not know it by name, this stage’s iconic design immediately comes to mind when you envision a stage.
What is the difference between an end stage and a thrust stage?
An end on stage has audiences on a single side, a thrust stage has audiences on three sides and an arena stage features audiences on all four sides. These types of stages are used when no background is required and when the audience needs to engage with the performance from all sides.
What is an end stage theatre?
End Stage. End stage theatres are theatres where the audience only sit on one side of the stage. These can be proscenium arch theatres, which are typically rectangular. However, an end-stage theatre can take any shape, size or form, as long as the audience are sitting in one group on one side of the stage.
What is theatre in the round?
The acting is heavily focused on, with theatre in the round adopted by a creative team in order for the audience to get close to the action. With the acting area is fenced by audience members, performers have to play to everyone and make sure that each patron gets an equal view of the show without being blocked.
What is traverse theatre?
A traverse theatre staging has the audience sitting on two sides, similar to a catwalk setup. Traverse theatres are beneficial for creating tension within an audience, especially if a show tells a rivalry story between two parties.
What is the West End auditorium?
Most West End auditoriums are a proscenium arch stage. In this type of auditorium, the arch serves as a frame for the audience to see into, with three walls of staging considered to make sure that nothing blocks the audience view.
What is the fourth wall in theatre?
The “fourth wall” is occupied by the audience, who will sit and face the action straight on. Proscenium arch staging allows everyone to see the show from one direction rather than multiple angles which may mean you have to move. Examples include the Prince of Wales Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket.
What is the biggest open air theatre in London?
The biggest open-air venue in London is Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
What is a London thrust theatre?
Normally a square or rectangle stage, they can have more sides. A London thrust theatre is the Globe Theatre, with standing patrons able to see a production from multiple sides in the summer. To see the Globe for yourself, why not take a tour? Visit Shakespeare’s Globe.
What are the requirements for a stage?
In-the-round stages require special considerations in production, such as: 1 Scenery that does not obscure actors and the rest of the stage from parts of the audience. 2 Backdrops and curtains cannot be used, thus the director must find other ways to set the scene. 3 Lighting design is more difficult than for a proscenium stage, since the actor must be lit from all sides without blinding nearby audience members. 4 Entrances and exits must be made either through the audience, making surprise entrances very difficult, or via closed-off walkways, which must be inconspicuous. As a result, stage entrances are normally in the corners of the theatre. 5 The actors need to ensure that they do not have their backs turned to any part of the audience for long periods of time, in order to be seen and heard clearly.
What is the stage in Polish theatre?
In theatre and performing arts, the stage (sometimes referred to as the deck in stagecraft) is a designated space for the performance of productions. The stage serves as a space for actors or performers and a focal point (the screen in cinema theaters) for the audience.
What is above a proscenium stage?
Space above some proscenium stages may include a flyloft where curtains, scenery, and battens supporting a variety of lighting instruments may hang. The numerous advantages of the proscenium stage have led to its popularity in the West. Many theatrical properties and scenery may be utilized.
What is the most common stage used in the West?
Since the Italian Renaissance, the most common stage used in the West has been the proscenium stage which may also be referred to as a picture frame stage. The primary feature is a large opening known as the proscenium arch through which the audience views the performance. The audience directly faces the stage—which is typically raised several feet above front row audience level—and views only one side of the scene. This one side is commonly known as the invisible fourth wall of the scene. The proscenium arch evolved from the proskenium in Ancient Greek theaters. This was the space in front of the skênê or backdrop where the actors actually played.
What is the stage apron?
A mentalist on a stage apron in a mind-reading performance, 1900. Often, a stage may extend in front of the proscenium arch which offers additional playing area to the actors. This area is referred to as the apron.
What is the invisible fourth wall of a theater?
The audience directly faces the stage—which is typically raised several feet above front row audience level—and views only one side of the scene. This one side is commonly known as the invisible fourth wall of the scene. The proscenium arch evolved from the proskenium in Ancient Greek theaters.
How many degrees is a stage incline?
A dancing surface incline is often different from an acting incline and can vary from three degrees to twenty degrees.
Proscenium theatre stage
The Proscenium theatre stage is the traditional form of theatre stage. The stage has a frame around it, called the proscenium arch. The audience all face the stage from the front. It’s the theatre stage you’ll usually find in older theatres, high schools and even Broadway.
Using a Proscenium Stage
Because the audience sits at the front, and usually some distance from the stage, actors, directors and crew plan accordingly.
Apron Theatre Stage
An apron is a small stage on a raised platform sited in front of the proscenium stage. It’s often a slightly different height to the proscenium, with actors moving between the two stage areas. The audience watches from the front, unless the apron is converted into a thrust stage.
Using an Apron Stage
An apron stage bring actors a bit closer to the audience. That can add dramatic effect for powerful scenes. The actor’s performance should subtly change with this increased intimacy.
Platform Stage (Black Box Theatre)
A platform stage is a stage with no proscenium, or frame. It might have a stage wall added to allow wings for actors and crew. Most are flexible and movable, while a few aren’t. It’s the form of staging often associated with music concerts and open air performances.
Using a Platform Stage
A platform stage is positioned with both location and audience in mind. Its flexibility allows audience seating to be positioned according to creative goals within individual settings.
Thrust stage
A thrust stage has audience seating around three sides and has no back wall. A thrust stage is a rectangular shape which can extend out of a proscenium stage, or be standalone. The audience’s view includes the sides and backs of actors as they move around.
Proscenium Stages
Thrust Stages
- As the name suggests, these project or ‘thrust’ into the auditorium with the audience sitting on three sides. The thrust stage area itself is not always square but may be semi-circular or half a polygon with any number of sides. Such stages are often used to increase intimacy between actors and the audience. The thrust stage at the Gulbenkian, University of Kent.
Theatres In-The-Round
- These have a central performance area enclosed by the audience on all sides. The arrangement is rarely ‘round’: more usually the seating is in a square or polygonal formation. The actors enter through aisles or vomitories between the seating. Scenery is minimal and carefully positioned to ensure it does not obstruct the audience’s view. In-the-round auditorium at the Stephen Joseph …
Arena Theatres
- Arena theatres are large scale auditoria and have a central stage area with audiences on all sides, similar to theatres in-the-round. The stage area is usually rectangular, more like a sports arena, with tiered seating.
Black-Box Or Studio Theatres
- These are flexible performance spaces which when stripped to their basics are a single room painted black, the floor of the stage at the same level as the first audience row. Usually these spaces allow for the temporary setup of seating in a number of different configurations to enable a wide variety of productions to be presented. The Studio at the Questors Theatre, Ealing.
Hippodromes
- Hippodromes are similar to circuses and have a central circular arena surrounded by concentric tiered seating. Deep pits or low screens often separate the audience from the arena.
Open Air Theatres
- These are outdoor theatres that do not have a roof, although sometimes parts of the stage or audience seating will be covered. These stages may make use of the natural light as it changes during the day, particularly sunset. The auditorium of Rutland Open Air Theatre.
Site-Specific Theatre
- Site-specific theatre is usually performed in a non-traditional theatre space such as a pub, home or warehouse, often reflecting the history, atmosphere or experiences of a particular location.
Promenade Theatre
- This involves the audience moving from place to place following the actors and performance. Images: Ian Grundy, Theatres Trust.