Drama Keywords-Stage Types

Transverse

A stage where the audience sits on two sides. Again, this type of stage is good for creating an intimate atmosphere.

Proscenium theatre

A stage where the audience sits on one side only. The audience faces one side of the stage directly and normally sits at a lower height.

Thrust stage

A stage surrounded by audience on three sides. The Fourth side serves as the background. In a typical modern arrangement: the stage is often a square or rectangular playing area, usually raised, surrounded by raked seating. Other shapes are possible; Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was a five-sided thrust stage.

Theatre in the round

Positioned at the centre of the audience - i.e. there is audience around the whole stage. This type of stage creates quite an intimate atmosphere and is good for drama that needs audience involvement.

Promenade Theatre

When audience members generally stand and walk about rather than sit, watching the action happening among them and even following the performers around the performance space.