Types of stage
- Proscenium arch: the audience sits on one side, looking through a frame (the arch). Good for big scenery and a "fourth wall", but the audience can feel distant.
- End on: the audience faces the stage from one end, like a proscenium without the arch.
- Thrust: the stage juts into the audience, who sit on three sides. It is more intimate, but some views are blocked.
- Traverse: the audience sits on two opposite sides, with the stage between. It suits catwalk-style action; performers must play to both sides.
- Theatre in the round: the audience surrounds the stage. It is very intimate, but tall scenery blocks views and actors always have their backs to someone.
- Promenade: the audience moves around with the action.
Stage positions
- Stage directions are given from the actor's view facing the audience: stage left is the actor's left.
- Downstage is nearest the audience; upstage is furthest away. Centre stage is the middle.
- The stage is often divided into nine areas, such as downstage right and upstage centre.
Choosing a configuration
- Think about intimacy, sight lines, the scenery needed, entrances and exits, and the relationship between the audience and the action.
Key terms
- Proscenium arch
- A stage framed by an arch, with the audience on one side.
- Thrust stage
- A stage with the audience on three sides.
- Traverse stage
- A stage with the audience on two opposite sides.
- Theatre in the round
- A stage with the audience on all sides.
- Promenade
- Staging where the audience moves with the action.
- Downstage
- The part of the stage nearest the audience.
- Upstage
- The part of the stage furthest from the audience.
- Sight lines
- The lines of view from the audience to the stage.