Drama Notes

Stage Types

Thrust Stage

• Combines elements of proscenium and arena stages.
• Audience on three sides.
• Utilizes wings and backstage.
• Blocking is crucial to avoid actors turning their backs too much.

Open Stage

• Audience on one side, similar to proscenium.
• No backstage area; performers remain on stage.
• Suitable for classroom settings.

Proscenium Arch Stage

• Audience sits at one end, stage at the other.
• Arch creates wings for entrances and exits.
• Acting primarily towards the front.

Theatre-in-the-Round (Arena Stage)

• Audience surrounds the acting space in a circle or square.
• Requires constant movement to engage all sides.
• No wings.

Use of Performance Space

• Indicate location using furniture, scenery, or actor positioning.
• Movement patterns can also signify location.

Stage Directions and Blocking

• Stage divided into imaginary blocks to guide actor placement.
• Center stage is the most powerful position.
• Upstaging occurs when one actor moves upstage, forcing another to turn away from the audience, creating a dominant/weak dynamic.

Blocking

• Planned actor placement on stage to optimize visibility and engagement.