Types of Theatres
Various and Unique places to perform
There are several different types of
Theatres
 The main feature of these different theatres is the
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arrangement of the audience in relation to the stage.
The different types are:
Proscenium
Thrust
Arena
Black Box
Proscenium
A Proscenium Theatre
 Probably what you think of
when you think of a Theatre.
 The audience is seated on one
side of the action.
 The Proscenium Arch is a
large opening through which
the audience “looks” to see
the action
 The Proscenium Arch creates
a frame for the action and
completes the set or the
“Fourth Wall”
 Actors do not have to worry
about varying the directions
in which they “play”.
 Wing and Flyspace is available
to hide scenery.
 Most Proscenium Arches are
not arches at all, but instead
more like picture frames.
 Examples: Highland’s PAC,
The Aronoff, The Taft.
Thrust
Thrust Stage
 Audience is seated on three
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sides.
Can be angular or rounded.
Actors and Directors must
be much more concerned
about movement.
Stage is usually a raised
platform.
Scenery and use of Drops is
usually very limited.
 Greater intimacy between
the actor and the audience.
 Playhouse in the Park:
Robert S. Marx Theatre
Arena
Arena Stage
 Also known as “Theatre in
 All entrances made through
the Round”
 Audience seated on all
sides.
 Actors and Directors must
be constantly aware of
playing to all sides.
 No use of Drops, scenery
can not block sight lines or
create blind spots.
the audience or under
stage.
 Can be large or very
intimate.
 Stadiums and Coliseums.
Black Box
Black Box Theatre
 Often called a “Studio”
 Just as the seats can be set
theatre.
 Seating is not fixed and
therefore can be
manipulated in a variety of
ways.
 Heightened sense of
intimacy between audience
and actor.
up a variety of ways so can
the scenery, as long as it
doesn’t create blind spots
for the audience.
 Most educational
institutions have a Black
Box in addition to a
“Mainstage” theatre … i.e.
Highland’s
Discussion …
 Think about your favorite show …
 What type of stage would that show work best on?
 What type of stage would present a challenge to the staging
of that show?
 Are those challenges unconquerable?