Theatre Arts

What is theatre?

Theatre is a collaborative art which uses or needs the talents, energies and support from many persons working together to achieve one common goal, most times a live performance.

Theatre the space/place

(A performance space) where plays and shows take place

Theatre as a profession or occupation

The creative field involving acting, directing, playwriting, stage design and production

Theatre as a company/group

The collective world of performers, directors, playwrights, producers

Elements of theatre

• performance(live)

• Audience

• Space/stage

• Significance (why)

• Spectacle (costumes, make up, set, scenery, special effects, light)

• Music/sound

What is spectacle?

Refers to the visual aspect of a production including scenery, costumes, lighting, props, makeup and special effects that contribute to the audience’s sensory experience

Functions of theatre

• entertainment: provides a source of entertainment/enjoyment and amusement to the audience

• Education: teaches, persuades and helps audiences understand complex ideas or social issues

• Social commentary(awareness/social and political tool): acts as a mirror for society promoting reflection on its values, beliefs and problems and can drive social change

• Community building: creates a shared experience for both performers and the audience, fostering a sense of togetherness and collective emotion

• Therapeutic: helps people express emotions and relieve stress

Proscenium stage

Stage within an enclosing arch

End on stage

Audience is seated at one end while acting is at the other

Theatre in the round

Audience is seated all around the acting area

Avenue stage (traverse stage)

Audience is seated on two sides of the acting area. Seats are often raked(have levels)

Promenade theatre

Audience follows the action on foot, moving from one location to another

Apron

The part of the stage in front of the curtain

Balcony

The areas of seating above the stall

House/ auditorium

Area for the audience, generally filled with seats

Front of house

Any job in theatre which involved dealing with the audience. E.g. box office, refreshments, ushers

Backstage

The non-acting area behind the stage

Dress circle

Area of seating above stalls below the balcony

Cyclorama

Canvas cloth which covers the back of the stage and can be lit

Flies

Area above the stage from where scenery/actors are flown in on pulleys

Blacks/teasers/legs/borders

Drapes which curtain off the sides or back of stage

Green room

Area which actors wait when not on stage during a performance

Skrim

See through material which cannot be seen through when lit from the front but can be seen through from behind

Pyrotechnics

Stage fireworks

Wagons

Piece of scenery on wheels for ease of movement

Revolving stage

Stage which turns in a circle

Wings

The sides of the stage

Trapdoor

A door in the floor

What are stage positions

Stage positions are specific areas on the stage that actors use during a performance to help guide their movement and where they stand

Why do we use stage positions

Clear communication

Focus

Blocking

Blocking

Refers to the planned movement of actors on the stage. It includes where they stand, walk or interest with props and other actors

Who uses stage positions

Actors

Directors

Lighting team

Stage crew

Downstage and Centre stage: Where the most important action happens

Upstage: actors can create different effects lie hiding or showing characters. Props and background can be placed here

Downstage use stage positions to create a visual blocking that communicates relationships, dynamics and dramatic intent. Downstage areas (closer to audience) are most prominent and powerful while upstage areas (further from the audience) can create a sense of distance or vulnerability.

Centre stage is a versatile and confident position often used for key actions. Stage left and right are used to establish relationships and add tension

Purpose of stage positions

Audience focus: directs where the audience looks and what they perceive about the scene

Power dynamics a character’s placement on stage influences their perceived power and importance

Downstage adv and disadv

Adv

• increases actor prominence, draws audience attention and conveys dominance r emotional centrality

Disadv

• can make actors feel/seem very dominant, which might be inappropriate for a scene’s emotional tone

Upstage adv and disadv

Adv

• creates a sense of distance, secrecy or insignificance; can be used to highlight tension or to have an actor make an entrance/exit

Disadv

• less visible making it harder for the audience to focus on the action or character

Centre stage adv and disadv

Adv

• the strongest most versatile and most balanced position directing audience focus

Disadv

• can lead to a feeling of being static if overused

Stage left and right

Adv

• can be used to guide the audience’s eyes, create visual interest and represent power dynamics. Can also be used to make entrances and exits flow smoothly

Disadv

• can lead to a loss of focus if not used carefully and may block the view of the audience members on the opposite side

Dramaturgy

The study of dramatic composition and theatrical representation. The practice of understanding the structure, context characters, language and themes of a play