Stages Used In Theatrical Productions - shoppingFirst

Stages Used In Theatrical Productions

The performance arts require a dedicated space for actors and props. Makeshift stages can be made, no doubt, but they just don't have the same look and feel as professionally designed ones. Raised platforms with safety features like strong frames and flooring that provides traction are what you will find with professional stages.

Depending on budget, stages can be temporary or permanent and portable and modular. Temporary stages are usually portable and easily transportable. They're used for outdoor events, school plays and choral productions to name a few. Inexpensive, easy to set up and compact, temporary stages with modular configurations allow users to create different sizes depending on how many people will be on stage and the number of props. Modular stages may also come with a seating system that's equally configurable. When disassembled, components are compacted for easy storage and transportation.

Traditional stages typically fall into four types - proscenium arch stage, thrust stage, theater in the round and traverse.

Proscenium

A proscenium stage is the most common and popular. It creates a window around the performers and the scenery and gives a good view to everyone in the audience. Sets, unused props and other objects are hidden from the audience view. The area over the stage opening is typically arched.

Proscenium stages are noted for their framing quality which gives sets, sceneries and performers an artistic look similar to that of a painting. The inclusion of curtains and strategic lighting also creates a sense of grandeur.

Thrust

Thrust stages jut or thrust out into the audience seating area. When viewed from the top, the seating area takes on the shape of a 'U' with viewers surrounding three sides. This surrounding arrangement creates more intimacy than a proscenium stage.

Where proscenium theaters can use a variety of sceneries and props to give life to performances, thrust stages have to minimize their use. Performers need to exploit their acting skills while audiences need to rely on their imagination to add life.

A few challenges are presented with a thrust stage. The biggest is hiding unused props and sets as the audience view is wider.

Theater in the round

Going one further than a thrust stage is a theater in the round. Whether raised or at floor level, the audience completely surrounds the stage. More intimacy and involvement is created no matter the size.

Minimal sets and props are used with these types as there's a risk of obscuring the performers. This means that set designers and directors have to understand viewpoints and performers need to know how not to turn their backs on the audience without affecting performance.

Theater in the round stages are best suited for energetic performances and where audience participation is desired.

Traverse

Traverse stages see the audience facing each other and the stage which is set in the middle. Like thrust and theater in the round, intimacy is created. However, facing both sets of audiences is difficult which is why most theater productions go with proscenium, thrust and theater in the round. Traverse stages are usually set aside for fashion shows where props are barely used and models walk the center.

Stages may be raked at an angle to heighten the upstage (rear) for better viewing. This allows the performers and sets to be viewed even for people sitting at the back row.

If you are looking for quick to assemble, portable, lightweight and easy to store modular safety platforms, then Maxiskaff is the right place to be. Click on their website miniskaff.com.au for additional details.

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