Questions and Answers
What is the part of the stage in front of the curtain line that extends towards the audience called?
What is the actor's right called when he/she faces the audience?
Stage right
What is the actor's left called when he/she faces the audience?
Stage left
What area of the stage is farthest away from the audience?
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What area on the stage is closest to the audience?
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What is the central area on the stage called?
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What is the invisible line where the main curtain would close called?
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What are the spaces offstage left and right for actors, crew, and scenery called?
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What is the large open arch that marks the division between audience and performance space?
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What is the seating configuration where the audience is on only one side of the performance area called?
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What is the front curtain in a proscenium theatre called?
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What are black draperies or flats called that limit the audience's view of backstage areas?
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What is the approach to staging where actors do not acknowledge the audience called?
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What is the audience seating area at floor level immediately in front of the stage called?
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What is the sunken area between the apron and the audience used to seat musicians called?
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What does 'house' refer to in theatrical terms?
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What are the theatre operations that deal directly with the audience called?
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What is a translucent piece of fabric called that can appear opaque when lit from the front?
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Study Notes
Stage Terminology
- Apron: The portion of the stage that extends towards the audience, crucial for engaging with viewers.
- Stage Right: The right side of the stage from the actor's perspective when facing the audience.
- Stage Left: The left side of the stage from the actor's viewpoint facing the audience.
- Upstage: The area furthest from the audience, affecting how distance and focus are perceived in performance.
- Downstage: The area closest to the audience, often used for significant actions and interactions.
- Center: The middle area of the stage, typically a focal point for performances.
Stage Planning and Structure
- Curtain Line: The imaginary line where the main curtain closes, separating the stage from the audience's view.
- Wings: Offstage areas on both sides of the stage used by actors and crew to prepare for upcoming scenes, maintaining audience engagement.
- Proscenium Arch: A large arch that frames the stage action and delineates the separation between the audience and performers, enhancing visibility of the action while concealing backstage activities.
Audience Configuration
- Proscenium Space: A setup where the audience is positioned on one side of the stage, allowing for a unified viewing experience.
- Grand Drape: The front curtain in a proscenium theatre that can signify scene changes and the beginning or conclusion of acts.
- Masking: Utilizes black draperies to block the audience's view of backstage areas, ensuring focus is maintained on stage action.
Performance Dynamics
- Fourth Wall Staging: A technique where actors perform as if immersed in the set, ignoring the audience, providing a naturalistic experience within the proscenium's confines.
- Orchestra: The seating area at floor level directly in front of the stage, facilitating close audience engagement.
- Orchestra Pit: A recessed area for musicians, typically located between the stage and audience, enhancing the auditory experience of the performance.
Theatre Operations
- House: Refers to the entire audience area within a theatre, encompassing all viewers present.
- Front of House: Operations that interact directly with the audience, including ticket sales, ushering, and customer service.
Special Effects and Components
- Scrim: A special fabric that appears opaque when front-lit but can reveal images behind it when backlit, commonly used for dramatic effects in scenes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of essential theater stage terminology such as apron, wings, and proscenium arch. This quiz covers the fundamental terms that are crucial for understanding stage layout and performance dynamics. Perfect for students and drama enthusiasts alike!
