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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 arrangement of the audience in relation to the stage. The different types are: Proscenium Thrust Arena Black Box. Proscenium.
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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 arrangement of the audience in relation to the stage. • The different types are: • Proscenium • Thrust • Arena • Black Box
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 Stage • Audience is seated on three 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 Stage • Also known as “Theatre in 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. • All entrances made through the audience or under stage. • Can be large or very intimate. • Stadiums and Coliseums.
Black Box Theatre • Often called a “Studio” theatre. • Seating is not fixed and therefore can be manipulated in a variety of ways. • Heightened sense of intimacy between audience and actor. • Just as the seats can be set 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?