Staging

Question 1

What is a proscenium arch stage and how does it work?

Answer 1

• most common form of staging.
• the ‘arch’ acts as a ‘picture frame’ or a ‘knocked down 4th wall’ as it were.
• most theatres built from the 1950s onwards have an open arch.

Question 2

What is a proscenium arch with apron?

Answer 2

• an apron is an extra section at the front of the stage.
• mainly used in pantomimes, musicals, circuses etc.
• the apron allows performances to ‘break the fourth wall’ so that they can interact and address the audience.