Stage Types
This is the most common and recognizable type of stage, often used on Broadway
What is a proscenium stage?
The extra part of the stage that extends in front of the proscenium frame.
What is the apron?
In a proscenium stage, actors must do this so the audience can see their faces.
What is cheat out?
In a proscenium, you only need to fully finish this side of a scenic piece.
What is the front?
This stage is simply a raised area with no frame around it.
What is a platform stage?
A stage that is outdoors and may not have a roof.
What is an open-air theater?
On a thrust stage, actors must avoid doing this to the audience.
What is blocking their view (turning their backs/obstructing sightlines)?
In a thrust or arena stage, designers must do this with scenic pieces.
What is finish all sides (since they can be seen from multiple angles)?
This stage type has the audience on three sides.
What is a thrust stage?
Theater performed in a specific location like a classroom, hallway, or ER.
What is site-specific theater?
In an arena stage, actors must always be aware of this.
What is who can see them and who they’re blocking?
In a black box theater, sets must be more detailed for this reason.
What is the audience is closer and can see imperfections?
This stage has the audience on all four sides and no backstage area.
What is an arena stage (theater in the round)?
The Globe Theatre is both this type of stage and this kind of venue.
What is a thrust stage and an open-air theater?
This style of stage often requires constant movement so no audience section feels left out.
What is Arena stage (or theater in the round)?
Designers in an open-air theater must use materials that resist this.
What are weather and the elements (rain, sun damage, etc.)?
This type of stage allows seats to be rearranged into different configurations.
What is a black box theater?
In this type of theater, the Coliseum in Rome counts as both an arena and this.
What is an open-air theater?
In a black box, why do actors and designers need to add more detail?
Because the audience is much closer to the stage and can see everything clearly.
Site-specific shows often change this depending on the location.
What is the atmosphere or overall feel of the play?