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In Theatre , the stage (sometimes referred to as the '''deck''' in Stagecraft ) is a designated space for the Performance of theatrical productions or other events. The stage serves as a space for Actor s or performers and a focal point for the members of the Audience . As an architectural feature, the stage may consist of a platform (often raised) or series of platforms. In some cases, these may be temporary or adjustable but in Theaters and other buildings devoted to such productions, the stage is often a permanent feature. There are four types of stages that vary as to the usage and the relation of the audience to them. The most common form found in the West is the Proscenium stage. In this type, the audience is located on one side of the stage with the remaining sides hidden and used by the performers and technicians. Thrust Stage s may be similar to proscenium stages but with a platform or performance area that extends into the audience space so that the audience is located on three sides. In Theatre In The Round , the audience is located on all four sides of the stage. The fourth type of stage incorporates created and found stages which may be constructed specifically for a performance or may involve a space that is adapted as a stage. TYPES OF STAGE Proscenium stage built in 1887. Note how the arch above the stage is repeated in the house. This repitition serves as a way of amplifying the sound from the stage.]] ''See main article - Proscenium '' Since the Italian Renaissance , the most common stage used in the West has been the proscenium stage which may also be referred to as a ''picture frame stage''. The primary feature is a large arch, the Proscenium Arch , through which the audience views the performance. The audience directly faces the stage--which is typically raised several feet above front row audience level--and views only one side of the scene. This one side is commonly known as the '' Fourth Wall ''. The proscenium arch evolved from the ''proskenium'' in Ancient Greek theatres. This was the space in front of the ''skene'' or backdrop where the actors actually played. The proscenium hides the sides of the stage, called the ''wings'', which may be used by theatre personnel working on the particular performance as well as a space for storage of scenery and Theatrical Properties , typically obscured by side curtains, called ''legs''. Often, a stage may extend in front of the proscnium arch which offers additional playing area to the actors. This area is a referred to as the ''apron''. Underneath and in front of the apron is sometimes an Orchestra Pit which is used by musicians during Musicals and Opera s. The orchestra pit may sometimes be covered and used an additional playing space in order to bring the actors closer to the audience. The stage is often raised higher than the audience. Space above some proscenium stages may include a flyloft where Curtain s, scenery, and battens supporting a variety of lighting instruments may hang. The numerous advantages of the proscenium stage have led to its popularity in the West. Many theatrical properties and scenery may be utilized. Backdrops, curtains and lighting can be used to greater effect without risk of rigging being visible to the audience. Entrances and exits can be made more graceful; surprise becomes possible. The actors only have to concentrate on playing to the audience in one direction. In-the-round stages ''See main article - Theatre In The Round '' This method of stage design consists of a stage situated in the centre of the theatre, with the audience facing it from all sides. The audience is placed quite close to the action which provokes a feeling of intimacy and involvement. In-the-round stages can pose many difficulties to the production, including:
Thrust stage ''See main article - Thrust Stage '' A thrust stage is one that extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area by its Up Stage end. A thrust has the advantage of greater intimacy between audience and performer than a Proscenium , while retaining the utility of a backstage area. Entrances onto a thrust are most readily made from backstage, although some theatres provide for performers to enter through the audience using Vomitory entrances. An Arena , exposed on all sides to the audience, is without a backstage and relies entirely on entrances in the House or from under the stage. As with an arena, the audience in a thrust stage theatre may view the stage from three or more sides. If a performance employs the Fourth Wall , that imaginary wall must be maintained on multiple sides. Because the audience can view the performance from a variety of perspectives, it is usual for the Blocking , Prop s and scenery to receive thorough consideration to ensure that no perspective is blocked from view. A high backed chair, for instance, when placed Stage-right , could create a blind spot in the Stage Left action. Created and Found Spaces ADDITIONS & MODIFICATIONS Proscenium and In-The-Round stage types are only the basic templates for stage layout. There are also extras which can be added in order to improve the stage.
STAGE DIRECTIONS The stage itself has been given named areas to facilitate Blocking :
HISTORY OF THE STAGE In the earliest history of theatre, stages often were simply deignated performance areas within a village. As theatre is often derived from religious rites, these areas held special significance and meaning within the tribe. The first elaborate theatrical stages are found in Ancient Greece where stages were originally threshing floors which developed into large, open-air ampitheaters with permanent stages. These same theatre layouts were adopted by the Romans who spread them across Europe . Small portable stages called ''wagons'' were common in the Middle Ages and were used for Mystery Play s and Miracle Play s in Cathedral s as well as outside in villages. Similar stages were used by Commedia Dell'arte troupes in Italy which spread over the continent over the next few centuries. REFERENCES
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