Stage Configurations Flashcards
Theatre in the round
Configuration where there is audience on all sides
Advantages of in the round theatre
1) directors and actors find it dynamic as the audience is extremely close to the action
2) audience is more engaged because actors enter and exit through the audience
3) there is not artificial forth wall separating the audience from the acting area
Disadvantages of theatre in the round
1) designers can’t use backdrops or flats because the obscure the view of the audience
2) stage furniture has to be chosen carefully so that sight lines are not blocked
3) actors have to be carefully blocked so that no section of the audience misses important pieces of facial expression for too long
Proscenium arch
Common form of theatre. Popular for large stares or opera houses. Proscenium refers to the frame around the stage, which emphasises that the whole audience is seeing the same stage picture. Area in front of the arch is known as the apron
Advantages of proscenium arch stage
1) stage pictures are easy to create as the audience all see the stage from roughly the same angle
2) backdrops and large scenery can be used without blocking sight lines
3) fly space and wing space can store scenery and props
4) the frame around the stage adds to the effect of the fourth wall, giving the effect of a self contained world
Disadvantages of a proscenium arch stage
1) some audience my feel distant from the stage
2) the auditorium feels rigid and formal
3) audience interaction is more difficult
Thrust stage
A thrust stage protrudes into the auditorium with the audience on three sides. This is one of the oldest types of theatre stage
Advantages of thrust stage
1) able to use flats and backdrops
2) audience feel closer and more involved in the performance
Disadvantages of thrust stage
1) sight lines for those on the extreme sides may be limited or obstructed
2) the audience on the right and left sides of the auditorium have each other within their view- hinders immersion
3) box sets cannot be used as it would block the view for much of the audience
Traverse
The acting area is a long central space with the audience on either side facing each other
Advantages of traverse stage
1) the audience feels very close to the stage
2) they can see the reactions of the other side of audience which works well with audience interactions
3) sometimes extreme ends of the stage can create extra acting areas
Disadvantages of traverse stage
1) big pieces of scenery, backdrops or set can block sight lines
2) acting area is long and thin, which can make some blocking challenging
3) actors must be aware of making themselves visible to both sides of the audience
4) lighting must be arranged carefully to avoid shining lights into the audience’s eyes or light spilling onto them unnecessarily
End on staging
Similar to proscenium stage, as the audience is seated along one end. However, it doesn’t have to proscenium frame
Advantages of end on staging
1) audience all have similar view
2) stage pictures easy to create
3) large backdrops or projections may be used
Disadvantages of end on staging
1) audience in back row may feel distant
2) it doesn’t have the frame of the proscenium arch theatre, which can enhance some types of staging
3) it may not have the wing and fly areas typical of proscenium arch theatres
