Terminology 150

Question 1

What are the tro primary aspects of any theatre?

Answer 1

– The acting area
– The audience area

Question 2

What is another name for the acting stage?

Answer 2

– stage

Question 3

What is another name used for the audience area? (2 terms)

Answer 3

– auditorium or house

Question 4

What are the three
main types of theatre configurations?

Answer 4

– Proscenium (pro-seen-yum)
– Thrust
– Arena: “In the Round”

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a proscenium stage?

Answer 5

Proscenium
* The actor is on a raised
platform in front of the
audience
* Scenery typically fills the
space behind (upstage)
* proscenium arch separates the
audience area from the
acting area
* Creates a “window” or
“frame” through which the
action is viewed.
* Metaphorical divide

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a thrust stage (6pts)?
(ppl, relate, sight, flex)

Answer 6

– Audience on 3 sides of the acting area
– Wrap around the stage can vary (design)
– Usually appears as “three quarter round”/”three quarter thrust” thrust advantages
– Intimate relationship between the audience and performance
– Not much concern for sightlines
–Allows for flexibility in scenery and lighting techniques

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of a thrust stage? (4 points - eye, light, encircled, focus)

Answer 7

– Inconsistent sightlines ( multiple directions)
– Scenery and lighting options are limited to the arena
– Acting area is completely encircled by audience
– Performance most focus in multiple arena

Question 8

What are the advantages of a proscenium stage?

Answer 8

– Better view for entire audience bc performance focus in one direction
– can hide & obscure objects from view
(e.g. in proscenium arch)

Question 10

What is the main disadvantage of the proscenium type of a stage arrangement?

Answer 10

– Audience is more removed
from the performance.
– Less “Immersive”