What different places have
you visited as an audience
member?
Introduction to Performance
Space
Learning Objectives:
•To learn the 6 different types of performance space.
•To discover the pro’s and con’s of each performance space.
•To practically explore how to stage a performance ‘in the
round’.
Types of Performance Space
• There are six main types of Performance
Space, these are:
In-the-Round
Thrust
Proscenium Arch
End On
Traverse
Promenade
• Make notes on the pro’s and con’s of each one
as we discuss each one.
Notes
• In your notes you need to include:
– A brief sketch of the staging type.
– The KEY points about the staging type.
– You will then discuss pro’s and con’s of each
one with a partner.
– Also write down any types of plays that you
think would work well in this type of space.
In-the-Round
The acting area is located in the middle of the space
and the audience sits all around the acting area.
There can be one, two three, four or more entrances/
exits.
In-the-Round
Above is one of the first in-the-round theatres built in
the UK, it is located in Scarborough. It is the sister
theatre of The New Vic Theatre in Newcastleunder- Lyme.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
Thrust
The stage is rectangular and the audience surrounds the
stage on three sides. The audience directly faces the
stage from each of the three sides.
Thrust
Above is a photo of one of the most famous thrust stages in the
country, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Occasionally
theatres will adapt their Proscenium Arch stage into a Thrust
stage by adding an extra piece on the front – this is called an
Apron.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
Proscenium Arch
• The audience sits in front of the stage, usually in
straight rows. The audience views the stage as if
looking at the action through a picture frame.
Proscenium Arch
This is still the most recognized form of theatre space.
The Arch is the frame surrounding the front of the
stage.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
End On
This is similar to a proscenium arch stage. The stage is at
one end and the audience face it directly. In this type of
stage there is no arch around the edge of the stage to
‘frame’ it.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
Traverse
The acting area is down the middle of the space. The
audience sits facing the acting area from two sides.
Traverse
It is very unlikely that there are any theatres that are
purpose built in this format, but it is definitely still
used; usually to remind audiences that they are
watching a play.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
Promenade
• In promenade productions the audience moves
around to each location scene by scene.
• Sometimes the audience is looking at the
action and sometimes they are part of it.
Think
• What are the pro’s and con’s of this staging
type?
• What problems may be encountered?
• What kinds of performances would work well
on this stage?
• What effect might this stage have on the
audience?
Little Red Riding Hood
• In groups you are going to perform the
story of Little Red Riding Hood in the
round.
• Consider:
– What effect do you want to have on the
audience?
– What problems do you need to consider and
how are you going to overcome them?
Review
• What stage are you at with your
performance?
• What problems have you encountered
and how did you overcome them?
• What do you need to do next lesson to
complete this work?
Think about...
• Using still images
• Sound effects
• Making sure that every side can see
SOMETHING interesting.
Targets
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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To participate more in lessons
To research more at home
To rehearse in my own time
To practise my physical skills
To practise my vocal skills
To share more creative ideas
To take the lead in group situations
To think more creatively