Types Of Theatre

Question 1

What is theatre in the round?

Answer 1

The audience is seated around all sides of the stage

Question 2

Name advantages of theatre in the round

Answer 2

Directors and actors find this very dynamic, interesting space because the audience is close to the stage as there is an extended first row.
The actors enter and exit through the audience, which can make the audience feel more engaged.
There is no easily achieved ‘forth wall’ separating the audience from the acting area.

Question 3

Name disadvantages of theatre in the round

Answer 3

Designers can not use backdrops or flats that would obscure the view of the audience.
Stage furniture has to be chosen carefully so that sightlines are not blocked.
Actors have to be carefully blocked so that no section of the audience misses important pieces of action facial expressions for too long.

Question 4

What is Proscenium Arch?

Answer 4

A form of theatre referring to an arch around the stage, emphasising the whole audience is seeing the same stage picture

Question 5

What is the area in front of the arch called?

Answer 5

The apron

Question 6

Name advantages of proscenium arch

Answer 6

Stage pictures are easy to create as the audience look at the stage from roughly the same angle.
Backdrops and large scenery can be used without blocking sightlines.
There may be fly space and wing space for storing scenery.
The frame around the stage adds to the effect of a forth wall, giving the effect of a self contained world.

Question 7

Name disadvantages of proscenium arch

Answer 7

Some audience members may feel distant from the stage.
The auditorium could seem formal and rigid.
Audience interaction may be difficult.

Question 8

What is thrust stage?

Answer 8

The stage protrudes into the auditorium with the audience on three sides

Question 9

Name advantages of thrust stage

Answer 9

It combines some of the advantages of proscenium arch and theatre in the round staging.
As there is no audience on one side of the stage, backdrops, flats and large scenery can be used.
The audience may feel closer to the stage as there are three first rows-one on each side of stage.

Question 10

Name disadvantages of thrust stage

Answer 10

Sightlines for those on the extreme sides may be limited or obstructed.
The audiences on the right and the left sides of the auditorium have each other in their view. 
Box sets (where 3 sides of the room are constructed) cannot be used as this would block views for much of the audience.

Question 11

What is traverse theatre?

Answer 11

The acting area is a long, central space with the audience on either side facing each other

Question 12

Name advantages of traverse theatre

Answer 12

The audience may feel very close as there are two long front rows.
They can see the reactions of the other side of the audience who are facing them, which can work well for audience interaction.
Sometimes, extreme ends of the stage can be used to create extra acting areas.

Question 13

Name disadvantages of traverse theatre

Answer 13

Big pieces of scenery, backdrops or set can block sightlines.
The acting area is long and thin, which can make some blocking challenging.
Actors must be aware of making themselves visible to both sides of the audience.
Lighting needs to be arranged carefully to avoid shining lights into the audience’s eyes or light spilling onto them unnecessarily.

Question 14

What is end on staging theatre?

Answer 14

Audience is seated alone one end of the stage, directly facing it but doesn’t have the proscenium frame

Question 15

Name advantages of end on staging?

Answer 15

The audience all have a similar view.
Stage pictures are easy to create.
Large backdrops or projections may be used.

Question 16

Name disadvantages of end on staging

Answer 16

Audience members in the back rows may feel distant from the stage.
It doesn’t have the ‘frame’, which can enhance the stage picture.
It may not have the wing or fly area typical of proscenium arch theatres.

Question 17

What is promenade theatre?

Answer 17

Means ‘to walk’

The audience stand of follow the actors through the performance

Question 18

Name advantages of promenade theatre

Answer 18

This is an interactive and exciting type of theatre where the audience may feel very involved

Question 19

Name disadvantages of promenade theatre

Answer 19

The audience may find moving around the space difficult or get tired from standing.
∙ Actors and crew need to be skilled at moving the audience around and controlling their focus.
∙ An audience member’s view may be obscured by others.
∙ There can be health and safety risks.