The stage space

Develop knowledge and skills in the basic technical elements of production staging

Student VET entertainment resource developed by The Arts Unit

Years 11 and 12 VET entertainment

What will I learn?

You will:

discuss different stage types, stage geography and masking
explore stage scenery and its development through technology

Primary Proms Concert - Town Hall Sydney

'Macbeth' - NSW PS Drama Company Production 2019 NIDA Studio Theatre

Stage types

There are many types of stages used in productions.

Discuss each of the 5 stage types as you explore the following slideshow.

Complete a summary table identifying:

type of stage
characteristics
uses
advantages
disadvantage
technical considerations
drawing of stage and audience layout.

Types of stages

stage types.pptx

Proscenium arch stage

Thrust stage

In the round or arena stage

End on stage

Traverse stage

Explore various theatre spaces using the following 360 degree virtual excursion slideshow.

2. Stage geography

Watch the video 'Basic theater boot camp' for an overview of the different areas of the stage, known as stage geography.

Basic theater boot camp

Duration: 01:52

Task:

Using the stage plan, label the different areas of the stage on the plan. The centre line is already marked.

Include:

setting line
prompt side
opposite prompt
stage right
stage left
upstage
downstage
the wings.

Stage plan - blank

3. Masking

Masking a stage means hanging curtains or putting up solid panels so the audience cannot see the workings of the event (such as the wings, the fly system, or under the stage).

Masking curtains are used to ‘mask’ the stage.

They can include:

Borders
Legs
Travellers (mid and rear)

Theatre masking

Duration: 01:17

Video full screen - Theatre masking

Task:

Draw a plan of your school stage space including the masking curtains and label each different type.

4. Scenery

Main types of scenery used in live performances and events include:

Backdrops are meant as scenic elements on stage. They can be painted or printed to become part of the scenery. Most drops are made of muslin or canvas depending on their purpose. Many backdrops in modern theatre today are used as projection screens rather than painted cloths.
Cycloramas are often used in the rear of the stage, primarily for lighting and projection purposes. They can hang from a pipe batten or travel on a curved track.
Scrims are a finely woven fabric, which can appear translucent or opaque when lit from different angles. When lit from the front it is opaque, when lit from the rear it is translucent. This quality allows for a wonderful bleed through effect revealing or concealing other backdrops, scenery or actors by shifting the lighting gradually from rear to front and vice versa.