Staging Flashcards
What is:
Theatre in the Round
Stage has a 360 degree sight line, audience can see each other.
‘Round’ Refers to the audience being all around, not that the stage is actually round.
Why use:
Theatre in the Round
> Intimate relationship between spectator and actor.
Because audience is visible to each other, it can help remind them of the theatricality of the piece, rather than letting them become emotionally swept along.
When not to use:
Theatre in the Round
When using a detailed set and lots of props- it would block some of the audience’s view.
What is:
Traverse Staging
When an audience is placed on two sides of the stage.
Why use:
Traverse Staging
> Intimate performance style.
Audience feels close to the action.
With audience members facing each other, they are constantly reminded of the theatricality of the piece which makes it hard to become emotionally involved.
When not to use:
Traverse Staging
> When using a detailed set and lots of props- it would block some of the audience’s view.
During a naturalistic play.
What is:
Thrust Staging/ Platform Staging
A stage that extends into the audience on three sides.
Why use:
Thrust Staging/ Platform Staging
> Extension into the audience creates an intimate relationship between the actor and audience,
With audience members facing each other, they are constantly reminded of the theatricality of the piece which makes it hard to become emotionally involved.
When to use:
Thrust Staging/ Platform Staging
When using scenery. There is a back wall that accommodates for this.
What is:
Proscenium Staging
A raised stage where the audience sits only at the front. It is often framed by a large ‘Proscenium Arch’.
Why use:
Proscenium Staging
> Useful wings for sets/ props
Easier to block and perform plays because the audience is only in one direction.
Makes it easier to become emotionally swept up.
When to use:
Proscenium Staging
When using complex scenery and lighting to create atmosphere.
Theatre in the Round + Traverse - Lighting/ Sound
> Difficult to light, angled lights will always end up shining in someone’s eyes
All sources of lighting are generally exposed to the audience- Useful reminder of theatricality
Sound can be difficult unless performed in a small, intimate theatre.
Theatre in the Round - Blocking
> Actors have to be constantly aware of their blocking so as not to obscure the audience’s view.
Hard for characters to make noticeable facial expressions/ hand gestures, as someone will always miss them.
Good for fast paced, physical drama.
Difficult for entrances/ exits.
Theatre in the Round - Props/ Objects/ Scenery
> Scenery blocks audience’s view.
No offstage space
Can’t use a cyclorama (back wall of stage).
Traverse - Blocking
> Possible to address the whole audience.
> Difficult for entrances/ exits.
Traverse - Props/ Objects/ Scenery
> No large objects that block audience sight lines.
Thrust - Lighting/ Sound
> Lighting and sound sources can be hidden because of backstage area.
Lights can also be angled and positioned in different places.
Thrust- Blocking
> Actors able to enter and exit from backstage area.
Audience can see actors from three different sides, so they must remain constantly aware of their facial expressions, gestures, movements etc.
Thrust- Props/ Objects/ Scenery
> Backstage area allows for scenery to be stored.
> Large pieces of scenery are not viable the thrust stage itself, but could be placed near the back wall.
Proscenium- Lighting/ Sound
> Allows for all sorts of lighting and sound options.
Has a ‘heavens’ space to store lights.
Easier to amplify the voices of the actors due to the enclosed space.
Proscenium- Blocking
> Actors have to be careful not to turn their backs on the audience.
Enter and Exit from lots of different places.
Large style of the stage allows for every type of theatre, even very physically active productions.
Proscenium- Props/ Objects/ Scenery
> Allows for the most elaborate pieces of scenery being the only stage type with ‘wings’.
Even allow for costume changes.
Allows for an electronic pulley system for set pieces.
Thrust- Relationship with Audience
> Close relationship because stage extends into the audience, allowing them to be closer to the action.
Closer than Proscenium.
Proscenium- Relationship with Audience
> Audience view the performance through the Proscenium Arch, and can often enforce Stanislavski’s principal of a ‘Fourth Wall’.
Can make the audience feel detached from the play.
If the actors perform on the apron of the stage, then it can create a closer relationship.
Traverse- Relationship with Audience
> Catwalk effect- reminds the audience of the theatricality of the piece.
Audience facing each other.
Theatre in the Round- Relationship with Audience
> Very intimate space.
Helps to blur the boundary between spectator and audience, because the actors often have to walk through the audience.
Can either make the audience feel very emotionally involved in the piece, or remind them of its theatrical nature.
