Parts of the Stage THEATRE I Ground Plan

Parts of the Stage THEATRE I

Ground Plan �This is what we will use today:

Stage STAGE PROSCENIUM ARCH LIGHTING/ SOUND BOOTH

Stage �Definition: The area of theatre where the performance takes place. �This is where the action takes place. �The set, actors, props, etc may all reside in this space. �Visible to the audience

Stage �The stage from the an actor’s viewpoint. Stage

Parts of the stage �Always from the perspective of the actor �Stages used to be raked

Stage directions

Stage- Body Positions

Wings STAGE PROSCENIUM ARCH LIGHTING/ SOUND BOOTH

Wings �Definition: The offstage spaces located to the immediate right and left of the stage. �Place where actors may wait to come onstage. �Can be used to store scenery. �Curtains or scenic walls can help conceal the wings from the audience.

Wings

Proscenium Arch

Proscenium Arch

Proscenium Arch �Definition: The arch framing the opening between the stage and the auditorium �It is the “picture frame” through which the audience sees the action. �May be decorated or plain. Decorated proscenium arches like this one are common in older theatres.

Grand Drape

Grand Drape �Definition: A fixed drapery/curtain that is hung at the top of the proscenium arch. �Used to cover everything behind the proscenium arch before/after shows or during intermission. �Usually red.

Apron

Apron

Apron �Definition: Part of the stage floor that extends out from the proscenium arch. �Closer to the audience than the main part of the stage. �Often used to extend the playing area. �Acting may take place here. �Scenery can be placed here.

Apron

House

House �Definition: The auditorium or seating area. �This is where the audience sits during the performance. �The seats are often on a raked floor. A raked floor is one that is sloped. Seating in theaters are sloped, with the highest point towards the back. This allows everyone in the audience to see the stage.

House

Sound/Lighting Booth

Sound/Lighting Booth �Definition: The area designated for sound and lighting equipment. �Sound operator and lighting operator control the lights and sound onstage from here. �Usually contain a light board and sound board. �“The booth” usually has a good view of the stage. This allows the operators to make adjustments as needed. If the stage cannot be seen from “the booth”, there will be a monitor set up. �Sometimes lighting and sound have their own spaces.

Lighting/Sound Booth

Orchestra Pit �Definition: Area located below the stage that houses the orchestra during musicals and other performances. �AKA “the pit” �Not always a part of the stage. �May be located between the stage and the audience or within the apron area.

Orchestra Pit

Fly System �Definition: System of ropes, pulleys, and weights that is used to raise or lower scenery for use onstage. �Operated at a “fly rail” or “fly gallery”

Other types of stages �Theatre in the round/ arena �Black box �Thrust �Found theatre