Introduction to Theatre Stages Types of Stages There

Introduction to Theatre

Stages

Types of Stages There are many types of stages. We will be studying these four types: 1. Rake Stage 2. Proscenium Stage 3. Thrust Stage 4. Arena Stage

Rake Stage • stage that slopes upward when moving away from the audience • led to the terms “downstage” and “upstage”, which are now used to give stage direction on stage

Proscenium Stage • stage framed by an arch and a curtain to separate the stage from the audience

Thrust Stage • stage that is surrounded by an audience on all sides except one

Arena Stage • stage that is surrounded by an audience on all sides (also called “theatre in the round”)

Areas of the Stage

Areas of the Stage • The specific names used when dealing with the areas are dependant on what type of stage you are dealing with. • Not all names work in every situation!

Areas: Rake, Proscenium, & Thrust • Named for the actor’s point of view

Areas: Arena Most use the a clock face or a compass rose. Either way you need to designate where it starts.

Disclaimer: The plays listed in the following slides and our notes are not all of the different types of plays and shows which exist; just the ones we will be studying over the course of this semester.

Plays

What is a play? Play: a story told in dialogue form by actors on a stage for an audience Dialogue: conversation between two people (in the context of a play, book, or movie) Plays are classified by one of the following categories: straight plays and musicals.

Musicals Musical: a play that contains song, dance, and dialogue Musicals require the audience to accept the idea that it normal for people to randomly break into synchronized song and dance. (usually whimsical in nature) Example: “It Couldn’t Please Me More” from Cabaret (Aka: The Pineapple Song)

Straight Plays Straight play: a play that uses primarily spoken words versus singing and dancing to tell a story Example: “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller

Types of Plays

Tragedy: play in which the main character has a major flaw or is caught in circumstances he must overcome, or the flaw/circumstances will destroy the character’s life. Example: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Comedy: play with usually a happy ending and humorous treatment of characters and situations. Example: A Midsummer Night’s Eve by William Shakespeare

Drama: play that considers serious issues and suggests solutions; can be both serious and funny Example: “Ivanov” by Anton Chekhov

Mystery: a type of play that focuses on a crime or situation that requires the use of clues to figure out the solution (not to be confused with Miracle Plays); think Scooby Doo or Clue Example: the stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”

Farce: a humorous play that entertains through exaggerated, improbable, and extravagant situations; focus is more on the absurd than character development Example: Japanese plays called “Kyōgen”

Theatre Jobs

Categories For the most part, theatre jobs can be divided into two main categories: Performers Technical Staff • •

Performers A performer is someone that showcases their talent/skills in performances. Performers include but are not limited to: actors/actresses, musicians, vocalists, dancers, and circus acts.

Technical Staff The main jobs you need to know in this area are: Producer Director Stage Manager Theatre Manager Design Staff • • • Areas of Design: Lighting Sound Makeup/Hair Costuming Scenery • • •