TYPES of

THEATER
STAGES
Ms. Sophia Vanette D. Sapnu
 Theatre is a branch of performing arts
concerned with the presentation of plays
and musicals. Its scope is worldwide
and its influence is profound. The art of
theatre is concerned almost exclusively
with live performance by actors, in
What is Theater? which the action is precisely planned to
create a coherent and significant sense
of drama in a time space audience
framework.
 Theater
in-the-round

Theatre in the round is a staging

configuration when the audience are
seated around all sides of the stage.
Theater in-the-round
Advantages:
*The audience is close to the stage and there is an
extended first row.
*The actors enter and exit through the audience,
which can make the audience feel more engaged.
Disadvantages:
*Designers cannot use backdrops as it would
obscure the view of the audience.
*Stage furniture has to be chosen carefully so that
sightlines are not blocked.
*Actors have to keep moving around so the
audience do not miss important pieces of action
Thrust Stage

A thrust stage
protrudes into the audience with
the audience on three
sides. This is one of the
oldest stage types.
Thrust Stage
Advantages:
*Can use large back drop, there are three front rows,
audience interaction may be easier.
Disadvantages:
*Sightlines for those on extreme ends may be limited
or obstructed.
*The audience on the right and left of the stage have
each other in their view.
*Box sets (where three sides of a room
is constructed) will block sightlines.
 The Proscenium
Stage
The proscenium stage is like a
picture frame. The audience sits on
one side. A curtain may be used for
scene shifts
Proscenium Stage
Of all the different types of theater stages, the proscenium stage is perhaps the most readily
recognizable. Though many may not know it by name, this stage’s iconic design immediately comes to
mind when you envision a stage. One of the traditional features of a proscenium stage is the
proscenium arch — an architectural frame around the stage which doesn’t necessarily need to be in
an arch shape.

Proscenium stages are usually deep from front to back. The back of the stage may be raked so the
stage slightly inclines as it moves away from the audience. The front of the stage may also extend
beyond the proscenium frame into the audience, creating what’s known as an apron or forestage.
Other common features of proscenium stages include orchestra pits below the front-center of the stage
and a fly tower above the stage for moving set pieces and lighting.

There are many benefits of proscenium stages, as they can accommodate a number of performance
arts that require minimal or extensive space for sets and lighting. The proscenium stage is also
regarded as a “classic” theatrical stage, which may be the preferred choice for auditorium spaces in
schools or larger community centers
Traverse
Stage
On a traverse stage the acting
area is a long, central space with
the audience on either side facing
each other.
Traverse Stage
Advantages:
*The audience may feel close to the stage as there are two extended front
rows.
*They can see the reactions of the other side, who are facing them. This
would work well for audience
interaction.
Sometimes, extreme ends of the stage can be used for extra
performance space
Disadvantages:
*Bid pieces of scenery, backdrops or set can block sightlines.
*The acting area is long and thin so can limit travel and actions.
Actors must keep
turning so both sides can see the performance.
*Lighting can be difficult, it needs careful consideration so it is
not directed into the audiences eyes.