History of Western Scenic Theatre Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is the AULEUM in Roman theaters?

The front curtain (correct)

The back curtain used for background

An area for audience seating

A platform for actors

What function did the SIPARIUM serve in Roman theaters?

It defined performance areas.

It was a type of performance prop.

It concealed backstage areas. (correct)

It was used for lighting effects.

What is a characteristic of mansions in medieval scenic practices?

They served as storage for costumes.

They were painted backdrops.

They were used exclusively by the audience.

They marked specific locations for scenes. (correct)

How were pageant wagons utilized in performances?

They were moved from town to town for performances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of medieval theater, what were Plateas?

Common playing areas in front of mansions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of curtains in Roman theaters?

To conceal backstage and transition scenes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why were mansions significant in medieval theatrical settings?

They provided defined locations for storytelling. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a part of Roman theater practices?

Mansions for scene changes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the orchestra in Greek theater architecture?

The main area where the chorus performed (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are paraskenia in Greek theater?

Long, high walls parallel to the skene (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as the proscenion in Greek theater architecture?

A columned arch located in front of the skene (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a flat in Greek scenic practices?

A wooden frame covered with fabric painted to represent a scene (A) Signup and view all the answers

What were pinakes in the context of Greek theater?

Painted panels attached to the skene for scenery (B) Signup and view all the answers

What function did the ekkyklema serve in Greek theatre?

To reveal a tableau or scene (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is a periaktoi structured?

A revolving set of three painted panels (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the general architectural feature of Greek theaters?

They were roofed structures with fixed arrangements of entryways (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the level space at the front of the stage where the chorus performs called?

The orchestra (B) Signup and view all the answers

In Hellenistic theater, what major event marked the beginning of new theatrical practices?

The reign of Alexander the Great (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a typical height of the platform extending across the paraskenia in Greek theater?

One foot (C) Signup and view all the answers

What uncertainty exists regarding the ekkyklema's design?

The exact form of the mechanism (B) Signup and view all the answers

The term 'skene' in Greek theater architecture refers to what?

The backdrop or backstage area (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the likely purpose of the object hung in the skene?

To create visual interest or decoration (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the changes in Greek theatre during the Hellenistic period?

A shift toward more elaborate stagecraft (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the proskenion in Hellenistic Theater?

It supported the front edge of the stage. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What material is most commonly associated with the construction of a flat?

Fabric (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the purpose of the episkenion?

It provided a second floor for additional staging. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the scaenae frons in Roman theaters?

The decorative facade of the stage house. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How were the seating sections organized in Roman theaters?

By the social class of the spectators. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What were the thyromata found in the episkenion?

Openings that could be fitted with panels or doors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the cavea in Roman theaters?

To accommodate the audience with seating. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was characteristic of the periaktoi in Roman theater?

They were painted thematically rather than depicting scenes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the sum cavea in Roman theaters?

The designated area for women and children. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the portrayal of the scaenae frons during the Italian Renaissance?

It was designed with multiple arches. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cavea' refer to in the context of Italian Renaissance theatre?

An indoor setting for performances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did the raked stage floors serve in Italian Renaissance theatre?

To improve visual effects of the scenery. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the wing-and-drop system?

It used suspended fabric drops for special effects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During the Italian Renaissance, what was emphasized in stage scenery?

Elaborate permanent street scenes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was primarily used in the wing-and-drop system besides painted panels?

Unframed pieces of fabric or drops. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the vanishing point in a wings and drop system?

To create a sense of depth in the scenery (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Italian Renaissance scenic practices?

Single decorated wall for scaenae frons. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the use of painted panels provide in the stage design?

Improved visual storytelling through elaborate sceneries. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What component is part of the chariot and pole system on stage?

A painted panel (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits a box set in theater design?

A configuration with three walls and a ceiling (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the apron in the context of stage design?

To provide additional space for actors (C) Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the side walls in a box set allows for actor movement?

The gaps or openings between them (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the scenic structure used in both the wings and drop system and chariot and pole system?

It is the same painted Italian panel. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the borders in stage design?

To hide stage equipment and scenery above (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the wings and drop system, how are the wings typically presented?

As part of a single continuous scene (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brief History of Western Scenic Theatre Practices

Western scenic theatre practices evolved from ancient Greece to the Renaissance.
Ancient Greek practices included the theatron, a steeply raked seating area for the audience; parodos, side entrances to the stage; and skene, a scene building used as a background.
The skene was a generic backdrop, likely a hut/tent.
The orchestra was the dancing/singing area; logeion, a upper platform; and thyromata, openings on the proskenion wall/facade.
The periaktoi were triangular rotating panels for scenery changes. The ekkyklema was a mechanism to reveal/display a tableau on stage.
The paraskenia were long, high walls parallel on both sides of the skene.
The proskenion was a columned arch in front of the skene.
Pinakes/pinaks were changeable painted panels that helped display scenery changes.
Roman developments included a scaenae frons, a stage facade structure; different seating levels ( cavea) for spectators sorted by social class (ima, media, summa); a front curtain (aulaeum) and a back curtain/stage backdrop (siparium.)
The periaktoi were still used in Roman periods.
The Medieval period used mansions, a series of structures positioned on stage, which could shift scene locations. Pageant wagons, moveable stages, traveled through towns.

Italian Renaissance Scenic Practices and Traditions

Italian Renaissance theatre saw significant developments in scenery design.
The caves were used as enclosed inner spaces. The scaenae frons were divided into arches. More elaborated, permanent stage sets were built.
Wing-and-drop system employed multiple painted panels/flats that moved into/out of view to provide scenery changes.
The drop was a large unframed piece of fabric to create backdrop displays. Painted wings and a drop create a continuous perspective.
The chariot and pole system used painted panels on wagons that moved on stage.

Italian Renaissance Scenic Practices and Traditions: Continued

Box sets were adopted; three walls and a ceiling structure acted as a backdrop and framing for the play. The fourth wall provided spectator viewing.
An apron or stage floor extension was added; drapes hung above stage to hide scenery changes.
Stages had elevators that moved actors or other stage elements. Revolving stages were used as well.

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Description

Explore the evolution of Western scenic theatre from ancient Greece through the Renaissance. Learn about key elements such as the theatron, skene, and various mechanisms used for stage setups. This quiz covers significant architectural and practical developments in theatre history.