The Three Basic Theatrical Performances Configurations

Prompt: Identify three basic configurations of spatial relations between theatrical performance and its audience. Identify an advantage and a disadvantage to each configuration.

Answer: As stated in the prompt, there are three basic configurations that theatrical performances use - Proscenium, Thrust, and Arena/Rounds Stages. All of these types of spaces have very distinct layouts and each of their advantages and disadvantages should be considered before choosing what type of theater space to use.

1. Proscenium Theater Space (information used from  http://www.geneseo.edu/~blood/Spaces2.html )

Ina & Jack Kay Theater at University of Maryland

Proscenium theater spaces are the most common type of theater spaces. They were known as "The Picture Frame" simply because the arch makes the theater space look like a picture frame. A very distinct characteristic is that the audience face towards the stage and all see the performance from the same viewpoint. Also, thanks to the right wing, left wing, and the frame, the Proscenium theater space can hide the actors and scenery used for other scenes. However, Proscenium theaters are very costly to rent out and there is less intimacy between the performers and the audience. I personally have been to a fair share of Proscenium theater spaces and even had the opportunity to perform in some proscenium theaters such as the Jack de Rieux Little Theater found at my high school and the the Dean Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, California

2. Thrust Theater Space (Information used from http://www.geneseo.edu/~blood/Spaces3.html)

Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis

Also known as the "Three Quarters Round" theater space, the Thrust theater spaces consisted of audience member surrounding three sides of a stage in order to create a more intimate relationship with the performers. Also, renting out a Thrust theater space is generally less expensive. Unfortunately, using a Thrust theater space has its consequences. There is no longer space to store scenery and scenic machinery and tall scenery must be put on the side where no one is sitting so it does not block the audience. Furthermore, the view from the audience is not unitary, which can result in varied responses. I had the pleasure to go visit a thrust theater space this summer when I attended a tour in Taiwan. There, our tour group watched a group high school kids perform cultural dances and cultural music that dated back to the natives that use to live on the island of Taiwan. 

Taiwanese high school kids perform a dance involving long sticks. (Photo by Me)

3. Arena Theater Space (Information also used from http://www.geneseo.edu/~blood/Spaces3.html)

Washington DC's Arena Stage

An Arena theater space is a type of stage with the audience surrounding all sides. A theater space like this comes with all the advantages of the Thrust theater space. Additionally, it is easier to fit a larger audience and can make use of more complex lighting effects. However, the Arena theater space comes with a lot of consequences. The Arena theater space suffers from all of the problems that the Thrust theater space suffers from such as a lack of storage space for scenery and scenic machinery, non-unitary view from the audience, and the challenge of putting on scenery without blocking the audience's view.