what is the most common type of theatre configuration throughout the course of history

by Ms. Bridie Lubowitz 6 min read

What is the most common type of stage in theatre?

Thrust theatre: A Stage surrounded by audience on three sides. The Fourth side serves as the background. In a typical modern arrangement: the stage is often a square or rectangular playing area, usually raised, surrounded by raked seating. Other shapes are possible; Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was a five-sided thrust stage. End Stage:

What are the types of theatre stages and auditoria?

There are generally three types of stages: ~ PROSCENIUM, the traditional “flat” stage a la Childrens’ Theatre; ~ THRUST, in which the audience surrounds three sides of the stage, as at the Guthrie; and ~ ARENA, where the audience totally surrounds the stage. Arena is also known as theatre-in-the-round staging.

What is the main feature of a theatre?

Stage Types: – Proscenium stage:. A proscenium it can be said that it’s a “window” that frames the play taking place on the stage. This type of stage, gives everyone in the audience a good view because the performers need only focus on one direction rather than continually moving around the stage to give a good view from all sides.

What is the shape of a stage in theatre?

keep in mind, no discussion like this can fully describe the many types of spaces where theatre happens. Small drama theatres A small drama theatre usually seats between 50 and 300, with an upper limit of perhaps 400. It often doesn’t have a separate stagehouse—meaning the stage is within the same architectural space as the audience.

What is the most common theatre type?

The most common types of stage arrangements are listed below.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.More items...

What is the most common type of stage used historically in the world?

The most common form found in the West is the proscenium stage. In this type, the audience is located on one side of the stage with the remaining sides hidden and used by the performers and technicians.

What is a theatre configuration?

We can define a theater in-the-round in a similar way — a stage configuration in which an audience surrounds the performance area on all four sides. Like an arena theater that isn't located in an arena, theaters in-the-round do not need to be round.Jan 29, 2021

What are the types of theatre according to historical ages?

2.1 Greek theatre.2.2 Roman theatre.2.3 Transition and early medieval theatre, 500–1050.2.4 High and late medieval theatre, 1050–1500.2.5 Commedia dell'arte and Renaissance.2.6 English Elizabethan theatre.2.7 Spanish Golden age theatre.2.8 French Classical theatre.More items...

Why is the proscenium stage so popular?

The proscenium arch allows for larger productions, and adds a feeling of grandeur to the production. With a larger stage and more distance between the audience and the action, the actors have an entire world of stage with which to work.Jul 5, 2019

What is proscenium theatre?

proscenium, in theatre, the frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, through which the action of a play is viewed.

What are the types of theatre?

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 ...

What are the 4 types of theatre spaces?

Theatre performance spaces fall into four categories: proscenium theatres, thrust theatres, arena theatres, and found spaces. This section will introduce you to the common parts of each theatre and the relative benefits of each type.

Which type of stage remains the most popular today?

Terms in this set (11)Proscenium. most popular stage type, set and actors remain behind arch. ... history of proscenium stage. ... raked stage. ... stage directions. ... thrust stage. ... arena style. ... traverse stage. ... flexible stage / black box theater.More items...

What were the popular types of medieval drama?

The most famous examples are the English cycle dramas, the York Mystery Plays, the Chester Mystery Plays, the Wakefield Mystery Plays, and the N-Town Plays, as well as the morality play known as Everyman.

What are the three types of medieval theatre?

There were three different types of plays preformed during medieval times; The Mystery Play, the Miracle Play and the Morality Play.

Why is the history of Theatre important in the study and research of history?

Answer: Theatre helps you express yourself, helps you tell the stories your of your life and the lives of others. It helps you create meaning through personal narratives. Theatre influences the way we think and feel about our own lives, forcing us to examine ourselves, our values, our behavior.Jan 21, 2021

What is a theatre stage?

A theatre will typically have a proscenium stage. These have a frame or an arch that leads onto the stage and they typically include an orchestra pit as well. The word “proscenium” is actually a combination of 2 Greek words meaning “before stage.” Some of the most beautiful theatres in the world feature proscenium stages.

What is the difference between a thrust stage and a proscenium stage?

It can be as basic as a raised platform at the end of a room. Like a proscenium stage, the audience sits directly facing the stage. If the audience were on 3 sides, it would be classified as a thrust stage. The primary difference between and end stage and proscenium stage is that the end stage doesn’t have an arch.

What is an arena theatre?

An arena theatre or theatre in the round is surrounded by the audience members on all sides. This is used when a background isn’t needed and your performers can engage the audience on all sides. Events that are held in sports arenas can sometimes have this layout if the stage is in the center of the floor, but ironically enough, the event doesn’t need to be in an arena to use this layout. If a concert in a sports arena had the stage at the end of the facility, as is commonly done, it would be either an end or thrust stage depending on where the audience is.

What is a black box theatre?

Black box or flexible theatre spaces are exactly what they sound like; they’re flexible. The seating risers can be easily rearranged to meet the needs of different performances. The term black box comes from the fact that the room is typically painted black to give the appearance of anyplace since these theatres use limited props. Sometimes there isn’t even a stage used and the performers are on the ground floor.

What is 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.

What is an arena theatre?

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.

What is thrust stage?

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.

What is a stage stage?

The audience sit in rows facing the stage. Platform stages are often used in multi-purpose halls where theatre is only one of the space’s uses. Where the stage is open and without curtains, they are sometimes known as end stages or open stages.

Do outdoor theatres have roofs?

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.

What is a proscenium theatre?

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.

What is the end stage of a stage?

End Stage: A Thrust stage extended wall to wall, like a thrust stage with audience on just one side, i.e. the front. "Backstage" is behind the background wall. There is no real wingspace to the sides, although there may be entrances located there.

What is an arena stage?

An Arena is designed for sporting events first. Setting up a concert means fitting it into a space meant for a different kind of event. Compromise and accommodation is frequently required. The stage is usually set up as an End Stage, or occasionally in the center as an "Arena" Stage.

What are the different types of stage?

There are generally three types of stages: ~ PROSCENIUM, the traditional “flat” stage a la Childrens’ Theatre; ~ THRUST, in which the audience surrounds three sides of the stage, as at the Guthrie; and. ~ ARENA, where the audience totally surrounds the stage. Arena is also known as theatre-in-the-round staging.

What is an arena?

Arena is also known as theatre-in-the-round staging. Arenas are ancient of course, but drama in-the-round — performed for an audience surrounding the stage — is largely a 20th-century American development. In-the-round performances date to 1914 in the U.S.; in 1940, the University of Washington built the world’s first arena theatre.

What is profile theatre?

Profile Theatres: These type of theatres are usually used in existing or “found space” theatres, for example converted from the original space usage. The Audience is often placed on risers to either side of the playing space, with little or no audience on either end of the “stage”.

What is a proscenium stage?

A proscenium it can be said that it’s a “window” that frames the play taking place on the stage. This type of stage, gives everyone in the audience a good view because the performers need only focus on one direction ...

What is thrust stage?

A thrust theatre stage is known by its arrangement which consists of being surrounded by audience on three sides. The Fourth side serves as the background. Often the playing area is of square or rectangular shape, usually raised and surrounded by raked seating. Thrust stage.

What is an arena?

An Arena is designed for sport events. Setting it up for a concert or a play means to insert a new type of program into an existing space designed for a different type of program. Consequently a great ammount of consideration is required when arranging the space for the new temporary program.

How can multiform theatre be reconfigured?

multiform theatre can be reconfigured to change the actor-audience relationship and the seat count. By moving large architectural elements, the one-room form of the concert hall can be transformed into a two-room theatre—an auditorium and a stage with

What is the stage in a proscenium theatre called?

In a proscenium theatre, the stage is located at one end of the auditorium and is physically separated from the audience space by a proscenium wall. This is sometimes called a “two-box” arrangement—the auditorium and stage occupy two separate “boxes” or rooms. The stage box (stagehouse) provides fly space and wings and permits a wide variety of scenic and lighting effects. The auditorium box is the audience chamber, which may take many forms—fan-shaped, courtyard, lyric, etc.

What is found space?

found space in which the architecture of the space is intrinsic to the performance, or a theatre space that is transformed into a complete environment for the performance. The audience space and performance space are sometimes intermingled, and the action may be single-focus or multiple-focus. In environmental theatre, the physical space is an essential part of the performance.

How many seats are there in a symphonic room?

The upper limit for a successfully intimate room is about 2,200 seats.

What is the main characteristic of a promenade theatre?

theatre without fixed seating in the main part of the auditorium—this allows the standing audience to intermingle with the performance and to follow the focal point of the action to different parts of the room. Multiple-focus action and a moving audience are the primary characteristics of the promenade theatre.

How many seats are there in an opera house?

An opera house is a proscenium theatre in form. Seat count ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 with an upper limit of about 2,400 seats. The auditorium is almost always multilevel with side tiers or boxes to enhance visual and aural intimacy.

What is flexible theatre?

flexible theatre with one or more audience galleries on three or four sides of a rectangular room. The main floor can usually be reconfigured into arena, thrust, endstage, and flat floor configurations. The room usually has some architectural character.

What is dance theatre?

Dance-theatre has yet to find a definitive definition, although the consensus is that it's a form of dance in which all the traditional elements of theatre ( i.e. the plot, story, character, visual elements, spoken or sung text) are embraced. A prime example is Twyla Tharp.

What is documentary theatre?

Documentary theatre uses materials like news reportage, interviews, government reports, and other documentation as source material for theatrical production. Twentieth-century director Erwin Piscator created shows called ''living newspapers'' under the auspices of the WPA during the Depression.

What is performance art?

Performance art is a large category where art is presented live and for an audience, but often including a combination of art forms. Performance art aims to challenge the traditional concept of theatre and take its audience by surprise. It frequently combines several art forms or presents them in unusual ways.

What is the Laramie Project?

The Laramie Project is about the kidnapping and murder of gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project interviewed more than 200 people in and around Laramie.

What is street performance?

Street performers can perform music, monologues, juggling, tightrope walking, or any skill that might gather a crowd and inspire contributions from onlookers. Performance art is a large category where art is presented live and for an audience, but often including a combination of art forms.

Is puppetry an art form?

While puppetry is an ancient art form, it has never lost its appeal. In fact, its resurgence is thanks to Jim Henson and the Muppets. Not only have the Muppets inspired interest in puppetry, but also the Jim Henson Foundation runs a yearly puppet festival and has given grants to hundreds of contemporary puppeteers.

What is a floor standing light?

For greater mobility, floor standing surgical lights are standalone and typically on wheels enabling them to move room to room. Mobile floor standing lights are often used in examinations. All three types play an important role in illuminating a surgical site during a procedure.

What are the different types of surgical lights?

They can be categorized by lamp type or mounting configuration. Two lamp types are conventional (incandescent) and LED (light emitting diode).

What is surgical lighting?

What are Surgical Lights? Surgical lights, also known as surgical lighting or operating lights, are mainly used in hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, but can also be used in various locations throughout the facility to provide high quality lighting for procedures. Examples include emergency rooms, labor and delivery, ...

How long do surgical lights last?

Today's surgical lights typically last between 40,000 to 60,000 hours of use.

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Proscenium Stage

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When thinking of a “theatre stage”, this is what typically comes to mind. A theatre will typically have a proscenium stage. These have a frame or an arch that leads onto the stage and they typically include an orchestra pitas well. The word “proscenium” is actually a combination of 2 Greek words meaning “before stage.…
See more on performance.stageright.com

End Stage

  • This stage layout is fairly common. You’ve probably seen them in smaller music venues. It can be as basic as a raised platform at the end of a room. Like a proscenium stage, the audience sits directly facing the stage. If the audience were on 3 sides, it would be classified as a thrust stage. The primary difference between and end stage and proscenium stage is that the end stage does…
See more on performance.stageright.com

Thrust Stage

  • A thrust stage, which has the audience is on 3 sides will thrust into the auditorium seating space. One of the most famous thrust stages of all time is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This stage layout creates a more intimate feel between the performers and the audience than an end or proscenium stage does.
See more on performance.stageright.com

Arena Theatre Or Theatre in The Round

  • An arena theatre or theatre in the round is surrounded by the audience members on all sides. This is used when a background isn’t needed and your performers can engage the audience on all sides. Events that are held in sports arenas can sometimes have this layout if the stage is in the center of the floor, but ironically enough, the event doesn’t need to be in an arena to use this layo…
See more on performance.stageright.com

Black Box Or Flexible Theatre

  • Black box or flexible theatre spaces are exactly what they sound like; they’re flexible. The seating riserscan be easily rearranged to meet the needs of different performances. The term black box comes from the fact that the room is typically painted black to give the appearance of anyplace since these theatres use limited props. Sometimes there isn’t even a stage used and the perfor…
See more on performance.stageright.com

Conclusion

  • As we look at the many theatre and stage layouts that are available today, it’s always best to make sure that you’re using the best one for your application when using portable equipment. Different layouts work better for different things. When looking at the equipment for your venue, make sure you consult an expertbefore making any purchase decisions. This will ensure that you aren’t mis…
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Proscenium Stages

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Proscenium stages have an architectural frame, known as the proscenium arch, although not always arched in shape. Their stages are deep and sometimes raked, meaning the stage is gently sloped rising away from the audience. Sometimes the front of the stage extends past the proscenium into the auditorium. This is know…
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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-roun...
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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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

Platform Stages

  • These usually consist of a raised rectangular platform at one end of a room. They can either have a level or raked sloping floor. The audience sit in rows facing the stage. Platform stages are often used in multi-purpose halls where theatre is only one of the space’s uses. Where the stage is open and without curtains, they are sometimes known as end stages or open stages.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

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.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk

Promenade Theatre

  • This involves the audience moving from place to place following the actors and performance. Images: Ian Grundy, Theatres Trust.
See more on theatrestrust.org.uk