Types of Theatre Stages
We have previously looked at how effective use of a stage can enhance a performance, we have also looked at the history of theatre (Greek Theatre)and why different performances require different spaces. This is an opportunity for you to look at different performance spaces in greater detail. There are some activities to help your understanding. You will need ro make your own copy in your google drive so you can type on the sheet. L.O. ● To develop awareness of the different types of theatrical stages. ● To understand how a space can influence a performance.
Tasks ● Study the Types of Stages attached so that you can
identify their differences and similarities.
● Answer the questions on the spaces provided.
● Using the information that you have read and with
reference to the Types of Stages discussed- invent your
own ideal type of performance space. Think about the
advantages and disadvantages of this space. What
makes it different to the other spaces?
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Types of Theatre Stages
PROSCENIUM ARCH STAGE
● A stage where the audience sits on one side only is called a proscenium stage (you might know this as end-on staging). ● The audience faces one side of the stage directly making up the forth wall. ● A proscenium Arch is also like a picture frame because it is shaped in such a way that the audience watches the play as it would regard a picture ● While the stage is illuminated during the performance, the auditorium remains dark, which also turns the audience into an anonymous mass ● Since the audience is thus not disturbed from watching the play and can fully concentrate on the action on stage, it becomes easier to create an illusion of real life in plays.
In-the-round stage
● An in-the-round stage is positioned at the centre of the audience - i.e. there is audience all around the whole stage. ● This type of stage creates quite an intimate atmosphere, and is good for drama that needs audience involvement. ● It allows the audience to sit closer to the action.
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Types of Theatre Stages
● Because of its shape, this type of stage makes it difficult for the scenery and large props to be changed in the middle of a performance. ● It is not possible to use a back drop for effect. ● The space does not have any curtains to enhance the ‘illusion’ of theatre.
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● A thrust stage is one that extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area by its upstage end. ● A thrust has the benefit of greater intimacy between the audience and performers than a proscenium, while retaining the utility of a backstage area. ● Entrances onto a thrust are most readily made from backstage, although some theatres provide for performers to enter through the audience using monitory entrances. ● The audience in a thrust stage theatre may view the stage from three or more sides. If a performance employs the fourth wall, that imaginary wall must be maintained on multiple sides.
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Types of Theatre Stages
Traverse Stage
● The audience sits on two sides of the stage, facing towards each other. ● This type of staging is also commonly known as an alley or corridor stage. Although not commonly used for the production of plays, this form of staging is especially popular for fashion shows. ● In the Theatre the ends of the stage can be much larger than the traverse stage itself allowing for more space for actors, sets, and scenery. ● There are many practical implications for the actor performing on a traverse stage, such as the need for greater projection of voice (when the actor faces one audience, he turns his back to the other) and to make sure that every action is visible to both sides of the audience. ● From a design perspective, staging is very limited so as not to block sight lines across the stage.
An Amphitheatre
● An amphitheatre is an open-air venue used for entertainment and performances.
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Types of Theatre Stages
● Ancient Roman amphitheatres were large central performance spaces surrounded by ascending seating, and were commonly used for spectator sports; these compare more closely to modern open-air stadiums. ● They were given this name because their shape resembled that of two theatres joined together. ● Contemporary amphitheatres often include standing structures, sometimes curved or bowl- shaped, both behind the stage and behind the audience, creating an area which echoes or amplifies sound, making the amphitheatre ideal for musical or theatrical performances.
Black Box
● A Black Box Theatre is a bare room usually with black walls or curtains all around it. It may also have a movable seating area and this means that the performance can be watched from different angles. It usually has a flexible lighting system.
Questions
Consider the main Types of Theatre Stages described on the previous sheet and answer the following questions for each of the theatres: List three advantages and three disadvantages for this type of theatre. Page 5 of 10
Types of Theatre Stages
1. Proscenium Arch Stage List 3 Advantages ------List 3 Disadvantages ------2. In- the-round stage
List 3 Advantages ------List 3 Disadvantages ------
3. Thrust Stage
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Types of Theatre Stages
List 3 Advantages ------List 3 Disadvantages ------
4. Traverse Stage
List 3 Advantages ------List 3 Disadvantages ------
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Types of Theatre Stages
5. Amphitheatre
List 3 Advantages ------
List 3 Disadvantages ------
6. Black Box Theatre
List 3 Advantages ------List 3 Disadvantages ------
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Types of Theatre Stages
Now using the information from the other Theatre Performance Spaces, design your own ideal Performance space, bearing in mind the advantages and disadvantages that it may have.
Name of your Type of Theatre Stage:………………………………………………………………………………….....
What makes this type of stage ideal for performances?
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Types of Theatre Stages
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Extension
Using research, find out what types of theatre stages are the following and add some information of where they are, how many people can sit in the auditorium and what famous performances have been staged there?
● Coliseum
● Globe
● Lowry
● Octagon
● Phoenix
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