THEATRE ARTS

Places and People

Stage Terminology

Stage – the area of the theatre where the performance takes place

Backstage – the stage area that is hidden from the audience; usually contains set pieces and crew

Wings – the backstage areas to the sides of the stage

Apron – the area of the stage directly downstage from the proscenium arch; generally in front of or on top of the orchestra pit

House - the part of the theatre where the audience sits

Proscenium Theatre

The proscenium arch forms a portal which divides the stage from the audience

The audience directly faces the stageThe stage is usually elevated

Burnsville Performing Arts Center

Thrust Stage

Stage protrudes out into the audienceAudience is located on three sides of the

thrust stageSometimes includes a proscenium arch

North Central CollegeUniversity of North Carolina - Greensboro

Theatre In The Round

AKA – Arena TheatreThe stage is surrounded on all sides by the

audienceActors enter/exit through passages called

vomitoriums or voms

University of North Carolina - Greensboro

Black Box Theatre

A typically small and very versatile performance space

Seating can be arranged in any configuration

University of South FloridaThe Christman Company

Stage Directions

The directions used by the actors to help them navigate the stage

Stage directions are always referenced from the point-of-view of the performers

Musical Theater Kids

More Theatre Terms

Proscenium Arch – the portal that divides the stage from the audience

Orchestra Pit – a lowered room in front of the stage where the orchestra sits and plays

Control Booth – the room at the back of the house where the stage manager, lighting, and sound technicians operate

Vomitorium – an entrance either under or between the audience sections where the actors or audience members enter & exit

The Fly System

The system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights designed to raise and lower scenery, soft goods, people, lighting, and sound equipment on and off stage.

Theater Bielefeld Schnurboden

Theatre Lore

Traditionally, it is bad luck to whistle in a theatre.

Could pirates be to blame?

Well…sort of…

Theatre Lore

Theatrical fly systems were originally created in the style of ship rigging. Naturally, out-of-work sailors who were familiar with ropes and rigging were the best people to hire to operate the theatrical fly systems.

Theatre Personnel

Producer – the financier of theatrical productions Director – responsible for casting the play; has on overall

artistic vision of the play Stage Manager – runs rehearsals and performances;

oversees performers and stage crew Production Manager – oversees designers and builders of

the production Company Manager – handles all business transactions of

the production Designers – bring the director’s artistic vision to life with

lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, props, etc. Performers – actors and musicians who enact the script

of the play

Theatre Hierarchy

Producer

Stage Manager

Actors & Musicians

Stage Crew, Console

Operators

Company Manager

Production

Manager

Designers

Master Electrician,

Technical Director

Director