Theatrical Element: STAGE SPACES

If you are analyzing the stage places for a theatrical play, here are some good questions to start with. Ask yourself:

1. 
   
   Is the space formal or informal?
   


2. 
   
   Is the stage large or small?
   


3. 
   
   What is the seating like for the audience?
   


4. 
   
   How about the stage? Is it a picture frame stage? OR, An arena stage? OR, A thrust (3-sided) stage?

Let's take a look at the various types of stages. What are the advantages of each type?

Proscenium Arch Stage (Also known as the Picture Frame Stage) Advantages:

• 
  
  Easily accommodates elaborate scenery
  


• 
  
  Provides nice aesthetic distance for the audience
  


• 
  
  Audiences love the spectacle of a proscenium arch show

(The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, A Proscenium Arch Stage in Portland)

Arena Stage (Also known as Theatre-in-the-Round) Advantages:

• Offers more intimacy between actors and audience
  


• Circle shape lends itself to an unconscious communion of sorts for all present
  


• Economical (any space will do!)

Thrust Stage (Also known as a 3/4 Stage) Advantages:

• Close audience-actor relationship



• The greatest work of theatre have been written for a thrust stage (Shakespeare!)

(Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, England)

Found Spaces (Also known as Created Spaces) Advantages:

• Allows audience to experience the story in a more authentic way



• Brings theatre to people who may not otherwise see it



• Unusual settings challenge audiences to re-think what theatre is all about

Black Box Space Advantages:

• Very flexible



• Allows directors and designers to make the space work for the play



• Small, so audience and actors are physically close together