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Theatre Configurations

Modern Theatre Types

A theatre can be any space where a performance takes place. They come in many types, with each type potentially dictating the type of show that can be done in that space. There are few major configurations: proscenium, thrust, traverse, arena, and found stages. We will break them down one by one.

Proscenium Stage

The proscenium (pronounced pro-SCENE-ee-um) stage is likely the most recognizable type of theatre that we have today. It is characterized by a large arch or frame called the proscenium arch that clearly defines and separates the acting area and the backstage areas from the audience.

The audience traditionally sits in rows in the auditorium (or house) that face directly towards the stage and each audience member looks through the proscenium arch to the acting space on-stage, as if they were looking through a picture frame.

An acting area that is located in front (or downstage) of the proscenium is referred to as the apron. Additionally, there is often an area between the stage and the auditorium seating. It is called the orchestra pit (or pit for short) and is traditionally lower than the auditorium floor. If a musical with an orchestra is being performed, the musicians are likely in the pit.

Advantages

  • all the action and design are framed within the proscenium arch, creating largely the same view (or stage picture) for the whole audience
  • allows for wing space the entire depth of the stage
  • more options for set changes
  • actors have the ability to turn their back to the audience

Disadvantages

  • can be difficult to achieve intimacy and intensity between the audience and the actors due to a typically large physical distance in between them
  • the proscenium itself may obstruct the view of audience members on the extreme sides of the house
  • either the stage needs to be elevated or the audience needs to be raked in order to have good visibility

Thrust Stage

The thrust stage is characterized by an acting area that juts out (or thrusts) into the audience seating which surrounds it on three-sides. This style of stage was particularly prevalent during the age of Shakespeare and Elizabethan theatre but is still a frequent configuration style today.

In this setup, there is rarely a proscenium arch, and if it exists it is most of the way upstage and does not frame the action for the majority of the audience. There is no wing space except for upstage as well. Any entrances and exits for the actors downstage come through the aisles in between the audience seating sections, referred to as vomitoriums (or voms for short).

Advantages

  • the distance between the actor and the audience is much smaller, resulting in a more intimate and intense relationship between them
    • actors can easily directly address or interact with the audience
  • can create a more engaging experience for the audience through immersive design
  • seating is more versatile
  • acting can be less exaggerated and more naturalistic due to the smaller distance to the audience
  • stage and the audience can be at the same level (no raked seating or elevated stage if you want)

Disadvantages

  • the designers have the added complexity of needing to design for three areas of audience seating and therefore three distinctly different vantage points for the show
  • limited entrance and exit possibilities for the actors
  • limited space on the thrust itself
  • actor movement can be slightly artificial in order to avoid having an their back to a part of the audience for an extended amount of time
  • costumes, sets, and props need to have finer, more refined details because they are much closer to the audience

Traverse or Alley Stage

The traverse or alley stage is probably the most rare configuration for theatre; most are found instead with fashion shows. Traverse stages are characterized by the audience sitting facing each other on two sides of a long, rectangular acting area.

In this configuration there is rarely wing space and all set pieces and props either need to be hung from above or placed on the stage floor.

Advantages

  • large stage space while allowing for close proximity between the actors and the audience
  • acting can be less exaggerated and more naturalistic due to the smaller distance to the audience
  • stage and the audience can be at the same level (no raked seating or elevated stage if you want)

Disadvantages

  • the designers have the added complexity of needing to design for two, opposite areas of audience seating and therefore need to account for a nearly full 360 view of the stage and design elements
  • entrance and exit possibilities for the actors are limited to the two "end-zones"
  • no or very limited wing space
  • with the exception of the two ends of the stage, all set pieces and props need to be either hung from above or placed on the stage floor (no walls or other floor to "ceiling" elements for the majority of the stage space)
  • actor movement can be slightly artificial in order to avoid having their back to a part of the audience for an extended amount of time
  • costumes, sets, and props need to have finer, more refined details because they are much closer to the audience

Arena or In-the-Round Stage

The arena or in-the-round stage is one of the most complex configurations to stage for. It is characterized by a four-sided or circular acting space with audience completely surrounding the performance space.

Unless there is a trapdoor or elevator built into the stage, all entrances and exits happen through voms.

Instead of traditional stage directions, a clock face system (12, 3, 6, 9, etc.) or compass system (North, East, South, West, etc.) is used.

Advantages

  • audience can see the performance from a range of angles
  • can create a very engaging experience for the audience through immersive design
  • can have a very large stage space while allowing for relatively close proximity between the actors and the audience

Disadvantages

  • the designers need to design for a completely 360 view of the stage and design elements
  • entrance and exit possibilities for the actors are limited to the voms
  • no wing space
  • all set changes are in complete view of the audience
  • all set pieces and props need to be either hung from above or placed on the stage floor (no walls or other floor to "ceiling" elements for the entire stage space)
  • actor movement has to be almost constant in order to avoid having their back to a part of the audience for an extended amount of time

Found Stage

Found stages are theatres made by converting other spaces into a performance space. One of the most famous recent examples is the show Sleep No More which took place in a converted old hotel.

Advantages

  • can be extremely immersive and intimate
  • potential for less scenery needing to be created
  • potential for audience to have a tactile interaction with the set, props, and even actors
  • can perform virtually anywhere

Disadvantages

  • rarely contain built in lighting, sound, or rigging systems
  • designers and actors need to prepare for the audience to potentially be someplace you are not expecting
  • don't always contain audience seating
  • audience visibility can be very obstructed at times

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