Stage design and production Notes

Proscenium stage (picture frame)

-       4^th wall

-       Rake

-       Orchestra

-       Fly loft

-       Apron

-       Pit

-       Traps/Revolve/Slipstage

-       Cyclorama

-       Scrim

Thrust Stage

-       Stage that comes out into the audience

-       Globe theatre

Arena Stage

            - Audience around the stage

Black Box/ Found Theatre Spaces

Choices in theatre design

            The Metaphorical/Symbolic:

-       Universal condition

-       Capture the symbolic/Kindle the universal subconscious by using a VISUAL METAPHOR

-       Levels of meaning to stimulate REFLECTION

            The Aesthetic/Harmonic

-       Expectations to meet

-       Ambience to reinforce mood or style of interpretation

-       Subtle and not interfere or dominate the SYMBOLIC           

                                    Examples: period style architecture/fine art/      colour/balance/levels/shape/relationships/etc.

            The Practical

-       Elements of time and space

-       Time-pacing and rhythm of dramatic environment

-       Interfere between sculptural (static) and live movement of actors (kinetic)

-       The rhythm and pace of movement of actors can be influences by the practical choices of designers (ex: size of step/position of door)