Over the years, theaters have developed along with their stages, with many different layouts available depending on the types of productions for which they’re used. Here are some of the most common types of stages.
Thrust Stages
Thrust stages project into an auditorium with the audience seated on three sides. The staging area isn’t always square and may be semi-circular or a half-polygonal shape. These stages are designed to help increase the overall intimacy between the performers and the audience.
Platform Stages
Platform stages, including grated platforms, are typically rectangular in shape and are raised at one end of the room. Platforms can either be level or sloped, with the audience sitting in rows directly facing the stage. These stages are frequently used in multi-purpose venues for theater performances, concerts, and other uses.
Arena Theaters
Arena theaters are larger auditoria with a central stage area allowing audiences to sit on all sides of the stage. This stage area is normally rectangular like platform stages and can resemble a sports arena with tiered seating.
Theaters in the Round
These types of stages consist of a central performance area that’s surrounded by the audience on every side, like arena theaters. However, despite the name of this type of arrangement, the seating isn’t typically “round” so much as polygonal or square. Performers will enter via the aisles among the seating. Scenery is often minimal using this type of theater to help ensure it allows the audience to clearly view the stage on all sides.
These are simply a few of the several types of stages you’ll find at various performance arts venues, in addition to others.
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