What is Theater? PDF

WHAT IS THEATER? Theater is a deliberate performance created by live actors and intended for a live audience, typically making use of scripted language. WHAT IS THEATER?  THEAT(ER) Theater - In American or English...

WHAT IS THEATER? Theater is a deliberate performance created by live actors and intended for a live audience, typically making use of scripted language. WHAT IS THEATER?  THEAT(ER) Theater - In American or English we spell it with an “er”. THEAT(RE) Theatre - In Great Britain I’ve seen it spelled both and the rest of the world, ways, what’s the it is spelled with an difference? “re”.  STAGE In theatre and performing arts, the stage (sometimes referred to as the deck in stagecraft) is a designated space for the performance of productions. Proscenium Theatre/Stage Also known as a “picture frame stage” Most common type of stage in the United States and Europe Created during Italian Renaissance Audience directly faces the stage on one side only. Has a proscenium arch Proscenium Stage - Suffolk University Proscenium Arch an arch framing the opening between the Proscenium Arch stage and the auditorium in some theaters. Theater in the Round Theatre/Stage Also known as “arena stage” Stage is located in the center of the audience Audience is placed close to the action which creates a feeling of involvement. Created during Greek and Roman era Audience directly on all sides of the stage. Has special scenic and artistic requirements Circle in the Square Theater - New York City Staging/Design Requirement for Theater in the Round Scenery does not block or obscure actors and the rest of the stage from the audience. Backdrops and curtains cannot be used. Lighting design must light actors from all sides without blinding audience members. Entrances and exits are made through the audience Actors must ensure they do not have their backs turned to the audience for long periods of time. The Children’s Hour - Theater in the Round Players Inc. - Minneapolis, MN Thrust Theatre/Stage Also known as a “platform stage” or “open stage” Created in Greece and continued through the Elizabethan Era Combines design elements found in a proscenium stage and theater in the round. Audience sits on multiple sides but not all sides May have a proscenium arch Thrust Stage - Racine Theatre Guild - Racine, WI  Different types of Thrust Stages Above: Theatre Epidaurus in Tripilos, Greece Above: Globe Theatre - London, England Open Thrust Stage Platform Thrust Stage Stage House Behind the “Stage” Stage House Behind the “Stage” Oldest style of theater space in Actors are elevated above the ground existence Sides of theater space are elevated. Black Box Theatre Simple space that allows for Raisenback Black Box Theatre - Cornish College of the Arts flexibility for staging Created during European Avant-Garde movement in the 20th century Usually has black walls and black floor Scenic design can vary by how the black box is set up. Studio at the Questors Theatre - Ealing, London, England Audience seating varies. Click the picture below to watch this Black Box Theatre transform into different configurations. Open Air Theatre/Stage These can be any type of stage style and structure Does not have a roof, however THE MUNY - St. Louis, MO sometimes parts of the audience/stage will be covered. Combines design elements found in a proscenium stage and theater in the round. These stages may make use of the natural light as it changes during the day, particularly sunset. Shakespeare in the Park - New York City Globe Theatre - London, England Minack Theatre - Cornwall, UK Click on the video on the left to watch a brief tour of the globe theatre in London