Theatre Spaces
When we talk about different theatre spaces
we differentiate them by the relationship
between the performer and the audience.
The Thrust Stage
• Stage extends into the
audience, which surrounds
the stage on 3 sides
• Origin in Greek theatres
• Also found in Platform and
Wagon stages of Middle
Ages
• Theatres of the English Renaissance also had
seating on 3 sides
• Non-western theatres often use a thrust
configuration (e.g. Japanese Noh theater)
• Widely used today
Thrust Stage Characteristics
•Audience comparatively
close to performers –
intimate
•Acoustics are good, but
actors must take care
•Much of the audience has
a view of audience as well
as performance
•Sightlines restrict set and
blocking
The Proscenium Stage
• Developed during Italian
Renaissance
• Stage and audience are
separated by a “picture frame” or
“fourth wall”
• Entire audience views
performance from one side only
• Stage is often raked
•Audience sometimes separated
from stage by orchestra pit
Proscenium Stage Characteristics
• Great for spectacle – wings, fly loft
• Great for perspective and focus
• Generally better acoustics than other configurations
• Not nearly as intimate as other forms
The Arena Stage
• Relatively modern development, but ancient as ritual
• Audience completely surrounds the performance
Characteristics
• Most intimate form –
audience close to the action
• Audience always in view of
audience
• Sightlines severely limit set
and blocking
• Accoustics often a problem
• Not much spectacle possible
The Multi-Prupose Stage
or Black Box
A space with flexible seating, usually risers, that can
be configured in any number of ways, such as
• Everything is flexible –
intimacy, elaboratness of
set, etc.
The Non-Traditional Performance Space
“Created” or “Found” Spaces
These are Performance that takes place in
locations that are not necessarily intended
for theatrical performance. Examples are
Churches
Classrooms
Bathrooms
Parks
All characteristics are location dependent
Know that there is also a tradition of Street Theatre
Aesthetic Distance
“Physical or psychological separation or detachment
of audience from dramatic action, usually considered
necessary for artistic illusion” (W&G 147).
• Theatre spaces also include supporting
spaces – backstage areas, dressing rooms,
fly lofts, bathrooms, business offices, etc.
• Remember too that your experience at the
theatre is also influenced by other spatial
elements
Where the theatre is located (city or
country, indoor or outdoor, etc.)
How ornate and well-kept the theatre is
Who attends and how much it costs
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