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Performance Spaces Note With Links

The document discusses different types of performance spaces. It describes three main areas that make up any performance space: the stage, backstage area, and audience area. There are formal spaces designed specifically for performances and informal spaces adapted for performances. Common performance space types discussed include the proscenium arch stage, theatre in the round/arena stage, thrust stage, traverse/corridor stage, promenade stage, and black box stage. Examples of each type of stage are provided.

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441 views

Performance Spaces Note With Links

The document discusses different types of performance spaces. It describes three main areas that make up any performance space: the stage, backstage area, and audience area. There are formal spaces designed specifically for performances and informal spaces adapted for performances. Common performance space types discussed include the proscenium arch stage, theatre in the round/arena stage, thrust stage, traverse/corridor stage, promenade stage, and black box stage. Examples of each type of stage are provided.

Uploaded by

Khadijah Bynoe
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Performance Spaces
Prepared by Joshua Logan

A Performance Space is any area in which a performance takes place. A performance space is
divided in to three different areas.
1. The Performing or Playing area, otherwise called the Stage. The stage is where all the
acting takes place. This area must be visible to the audience
2. The Backstage or Offstage area. This is where the performers prepare themselves
before going onstage. This is not visible to the audience.
3. The Audience area or auditorium. In theatre this is called the “house.” This is area
where the audience is placed so that they can view the production. This area must be
designed in such a way to make the stage visible to the audience.

There are formal and informal theatre spaces. Formal theatre spaces are spaces that were
designed and created specifically for performances. Informal theatre spaces are non-theatre
spaces that converted to a theatre space for a specific theatrical event or performance. E.g the
streets during carnival parades, playing field for Ramleela celebration or an open space or
junction for the Gayelle in stickfighting.

There are numerous types of performance spaces ranging from simple and common to complex
and unique. However, in this class we are going to explore some common performance spaces.
These are

● Proscenium Arch Stage

● Theatre in a Round Stage or Arena Stage

● Thrust Stage

● Traverse or Corridor Stage

● Promenade Stage

● Black box
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The Proscenium Arch Stage

A Proscenium Stage is a theatre space whose primary feature is a large frame or arch (called the
proscenium arch even though it is frequently not a rounded archway at all), which is located at or
near the front of the stage. The stage is usually raised a several feet above the front row of the
audience. In a proscenium theatre, the audience is seated in front of the stage and views the
performance through the proscenium "arch". The piece of stage in front of the arch is called the
apron. The offstage area is situated on both sides and back of the stage. The offstage area to the
sides is called the wings and the offstage are to the back is called the back stage. Sometimes in
front of the apron at a lower level than the stage is the orchestra pit. Examples of a Proscenium
arch stage are Queens Hall and Naparima Bowl, Northern and Southern Academy of Preforming
Arts (NAPA & SAPA)
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Theatre in a Round or Arena Stage

Arena Stage is any theatre space in which the audience is seated around the stage area or on all
sides of the stage. The offstage area is located under the audience area or behind it and is
accessible by walkways which pass through the audience. Examples of this stage is the Edna
Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. There are informal theatre in a
round spaces that are created for specific events. These include the gayelle for stick fighting and
Ramleela in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Thrust Stage

The thrust stage projects out into the audience (like a wide ramp) and the audience sits on three
sides of the stage. The backstage area is located behind thrust of the stage or upstage. A catwalk
is an example of a thrust stage. An example of a thrust stage is the Frank Collymore Hall in
Barbados.

Traverse or Corridor Stage

In this stage the audience sits on two opposite sides of the stage. The offstage areas are to the
ends of the stage. Example of a traverse stage is the stage constructed for Panorama at Trinidad’s
Carnival
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Promenade Stage

The Promenade Stage is a stage where the stage area and the audience area are roughly the same
space. In this stage the actual performance of a scene is indicated by an actor speaking loudly
and the particular area being lit. The performance will move around the area and the audience
would adjust accordingly. An example of promenade stage is carnival in the street.

Black Box Stage


A black box theater is a simple performance space that varies in size, and is usually a square
room with black walls and a flat floor.

Video on Types of Stage


Name of Youtube Video “Introduction into
Set Design: Stage Types, Parts of Proscenium, and
Ground Plans”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-m-rwKXl-Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtjC9fgTqYw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohTV9n5m7Iw

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