crib sheet

Question 1

who are stages right and left/up and down named according to?

Answer 1

the actor

Question 2

describe an arena stage

Answer 2

a rectangular stage with the audience on all four sides

Question 3

describe a proscenium theatre

Answer 3

theatre royal - rectangular stage with apron separating audience and stage
surrounded by proscenium arch - picture frame

Question 4

describe a thrust stage

Answer 4

a stage with audiences to the front, left and right

Question 5

describe a traverse stage

Answer 5

a thin rectangular stage with audience to the left and right

Question 6

describe theatre in the round

Answer 6

a round stage with the audience surrounding all sides

performers play to all sides

Question 7

describe end on staging

Answer 7

similar to proscenium - more modern, missing proscenium arch

Question 8

describe promenade staging

Answer 8

a site-specific piece of theatre where the action moves in location and the audience follow performers around the space

Question 9

list the pros and cons of arena staging

Answer 9

pros: audience feel included, creates intimate atmosphere
cons: sight lines may be an issue so requires a lot of movement

Question 10

list the pros and cons of end on/proscenium staging

Answer 10

pros: sight lines are fine, easy to stage
cons: audience can feel removed from action

Question 11

list the pros and cons of thrust staging

Answer 11

pros: audience feels included but there is still a “back” to the stage
cons: sight lines can still be an issue

Question 12

list the pros and cons of theatre in the round

Answer 12

pros: intimate and exciting atmosphere, audience feel included
cons: sight lines

Question 13

list the pros and cons of traverse staging

Answer 13

pros: audience can clearly see performances at two sides, audience can see each other so creates intimacy
cons: opposing audience sides might see different shows, sight lines

Question 14

list the pros and cons of promenade staging

Answer 14

pros: can work when locations suit presented work, interesting experience
cons: moving locations can take time and ruin tension

Question 15

list the roles and responsibilities of the playwright

Answer 15

to write the play

Question 16

list the roles and responsibilities of the performer

Answer 16

the actor/entertainer who performs the piece to an audience

Question 17

list the roles and responsibilities of the understudy

Answer 17

to overtake the actor’s role if necessary

Question 18

list the roles and responsibilities of the lighting designer

Answer 18

designing lighting states and special lighting effects - resulting in a lighting plot with lighting states and cues

Question 19

list the roles and responsibilities of the sound designer

Answer 19

design the sound required for a performance including underscoring, intro and outro music and special effects - resulting in a sound plot

Question 20

list the roles and responsibilities of the set designer

Answer 20

design the set in unity with the director and other designers

Question 21

list the roles and responsibilities of the costume designer

Answer 21

design costumes for the wardrobe

Question 22

list the roles and responsibilities of the puppet designer

Answer 22

design puppets for a specific performance

Question 23

list the roles and responsibilities of the technician

Answer 23

work backstage to either set up technical equipment such as microphones or rig lights before a production or operate technical equipment during a performance

Question 24

list the roles and responsibilities of the director

Answer 24

in charge of the artistic elements of production. will have the initial creative idea, work with actors in rehearsal, and collaborate with designers and techies to realise idea in performance

Question 25

list the roles and responsibilities of the stage manager

Answer 25

in charge of all the aspects backstage, including crew. oversee everything backstage before, during, and after a performance. during rehearsal period, stage manager and team will ensure all props are found/made, scene changes are rehearsed, and all other backstage aspects are prepared. also in charge of rehearsal schedule

Question 26

list the roles and responsibilities of the theatre manager

Answer 26

manages front-of-house team who deal with audience ie office manager, ushers, etc