Types of Theatres

Theatre in the round or Arena:

Theatre in the round, also known as arena theater, is a type of theater in which the stage is located in the center of the audience, with the audience seated on all sides. This allows for a more immersive and interactive experience, as the audience is surrounded by the action and can see the performers from all angles. The lack of a traditional stage also encourages the actors to use the entire space and interact with the audience more directly.

This type of theater is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and Rome, where actors performed in the center of an open-air theater. The design allows the audience to feel more included in the performance and can create a sense of immediacy as if the audience is participating in the action.

In modern times, this type of theater can be found in many different settings, including professional theater companies, community theaters, and educational institutions. Some notable examples include the Roundabout Theatre in New York City and the Arena Stage in Washington D.C.

This type of theater does require more technical work to stage and light the performance, as the actors and action must be visible from all angles, but it can create a more dynamic and engaging experience for the audience. This type of stage is also a good choice for interactive plays, improvisational performances, and other types of performances that involve a lot of movement and audience participation.

Thrust:

A thrust stage, also known as a proscenium-arch stage, is a type of theater stage in which the audience sits on three sides of the stage, with the fourth side being the backdrop. The stage projects out into the audience, creating a more immersive and interactive experience.

The name "thrust" comes from the fact that the stage thrusts out into the audience, as opposed to a traditional proscenium stage, which is separated from the audience by a "proscenium arch." In a thrust stage, the audience is able to see the actors from different angles, which can create a more dynamic and engaging performance.

This type of stage is often used in productions that require a more intimate or immersive experience, such as plays and musicals. It allows for more flexibility in terms of stage design and blocking, as the actors can move around the entire stage and interact with the audience.

Thrust stages can be found in many different settings, including professional theater companies, community theaters, and educational institutions. Some notable examples include the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, and the Shakespeare's Globe in London, which is a replica of an Elizabethan open-air theater.

The thrust stage allows for more creative stage design and movement, but also requires more technical work to light and stage the performance, as the actors and action have to be visible from multiple angles.

Proscenium:

A proscenium stage, also known as a "picture frame" stage, is a type of theater stage in which the audience sits facing a single, large, flat acting area, which is separated from the audience by a proscenium arch. The arch frames the stage, creating a visual boundary between the audience and the performance. The stage is typically wider than it is deep, and the action usually takes place at the front of the stage, closest to the audience.

The proscenium stage is the most common type of stage in traditional theater spaces, such as Broadway theaters and many community theaters. The stage design allows for more elaborate sets and special effects, as the audience can only see what is happening on the stage in front of them, but also has a more traditional and formal feel.

The proscenium stage allows for more control over the audience's perspective and focuses on the performance. It also allows for more elaborate set design and special effects, but it can also limit the actors' movement and interaction with the audience. Many traditional plays and musicals are written for proscenium stages.

Examples of famous proscenium theaters are the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, The Palace Theater in London, and Teatro alla Scala in Milan.