Stage types

• What is a proscenium arch stage?

  A decorative frame around the stage
• What is the purpose of the heavy curtain in a proscenium arch stage?

  It is raised when the play begins
• What is the apron in a proscenium arch stage?

  The stage area in front of the curtain
• What is the fly space in a proscenium arch stage?

  The area above the stage
• What are the wings in a proscenium arch stage?

  Areas to the sides of the stage
• What are the advantages of a proscenium arch stage?

  • Accommodates large scenery and effects
  • Effective stage pictures from one angle
  • Set changes behind closed curtain
  • Scenes on apron with curtain closed
  • Box sets without obscuring sightlines
  • Creates a 'fourth wall'
  • Storage space in wings
• What characterizes an amphitheatre stage?

  A large semi-circular stage
• What is the historical association of amphitheatres?

  Associated with Ancient Greek theatres
• What are the disadvantages of a proscenium arch stage?

  • Formality may not suit all productions
  • Can seem old-fashioned
  • Difficult audience interaction
  • Some audience far from stage
  • Unnatural blocking for visibility
• Name a modern amphitheatre.

  Minack Theatre in Cornwall
• What are the advantages of an amphitheatre stage?

  • Natural scenery as backdrop if outdoors
  • Creates a sense of occasion
  • Effective for large performances
  • Accommodates a large audience
  • Space for special effects
• What are the disadvantages of an amphitheatre stage?

  • Difficult to create intimacy
  • Sound amplification challenges
  • Weather issues if outdoors
• What is the seating arrangement in an in-the-round stage?

  Audience seated around all sides
• What are the advantages of an in-the-round stage?

  • Creates intimacy with audience
  • Actors enter through the audience
  • Shared experience among audience members
  • Active and inventive staging
  • Subtle and naturalistic acting
• What are the disadvantages of an in-the-round stage?

  • Set changes in front of audience
  • Designer restrictions on backdrops
  • Difficult stage pictures for all
  • Technical challenges for lighting and sound
• What defines a thrust stage?

  A stage protruding into the auditorium
• What are the advantages of a thrust stage?

  • Dynamic, combines end on and in the round
  • Closer audience experience
  • Large scenery can be placed upstage
  • Easy audience interaction
• What are the disadvantages of a thrust stage?

  • Sightlines blocked by downstage items
  • Careful blocking needed for visibility
  • Unified stage pictures hard to create
• What is a traverse stage?

  A long central stage with audience on both sides
• What are the advantages of a traverse stage?

  • Close audience experience
  • Awareness of audience reactions
  • Suits specific play locations
  • Encourages dynamic blocking
• What are the disadvantages of a traverse stage?

  • Large scenery blocks sightlines
  • Difficult to create uniform stage picture
  • Challenging blocking in thin area
  • Lighting needs careful planning
• What characterizes a black box theatre?

  A simple room with black walls
• What are the advantages of a black box theatre?

  • Flexible seating arrangements
  • Intimate space close to action
  • Intense atmosphere
  • Suitable for experimental work
  • Creative 'blank canvas'
• What are the disadvantages of a black box theatre?

  • Challenging for large effects
  • Scenery design needs careful planning
  • Might seem plain compared to others
  • Tiered seating may be needed
• What is a promenade performance?

  Audience follows actors through the performance
• What are the advantages of a promenade performance?

  • Dynamic, active theatre
  • Original storytelling style
  • Creates a sense of occasion
• What are the disadvantages of a promenade performance?

  • Requires skilled performers and crew
  • Standing may be difficult for some
  • Health and safety risks
• What is a sightline?

  The view of the stage from the audience
• What does 'end on' mean in staging?

  Audience directly faces the stage
• What is the apron in theatre?

  Area of stage nearest the audience
• What is the fly space?

  Area above the stage for scenery
• What are the wings in theatre?

  Spaces to the side of the stage
• What is a stage picture?

  A still image created on stage
• What is a box set?

  A set with three complete walls
• What is the fourth wall?

  An imaginary wall between audience and stage
• What does it mean to 'fly' in theatre?

  To raise or lower scenery from above
• What are tiers in theatre seating?

  Rows of seating sloping upwards
• What is a raked auditorium?


  A sloped seating area
• What is upstage in theatre?

  Area furthest from the audience
• What is downstage in theatre?

  Area closest to the audience