Chapter 11: Theatrical Space and Production Design

1. Chapter 11:Theatrical Space and Production Design The Influence of Theatrical Space • Factors that influence audience response and the use of production elements: • Degree of formality • Size • Arrangement or configuration

2. The Proscenium Arch Stage • Raised platform framed by arch • Marks division between stage and auditorium clearly • Sometimes includes an apron = extension of acting platform slightly beyond proscenium arch into auditorium • Seats on one level or raked upwards toward back of auditorium; may include one or more balconies • Stage designed to be seen from front only • Overhead system for movement of scenery = fly system • Offstage space at sides = wings STAGE AUDIENCE

3. Proscenium Arch Stage

4. Proscenium Arch Stage

5. Proscenium Arch Stage

6. Proscenium Arch Stage

7. The Thrust Stage • Raised platform surrounded on 2 or 3 sides by seating • Brings spectators closer to the action • Discourages realistic spectacle due to sightlines • Most do not have fly systems, although lighting instruments may be hung overhead STAGE AUDIENCE AUDIENCE AUDIENCE • Scenic units shifted by hand

8. Thrust Stage

9. Thrust Stage

10. The Arena Stage • No platform: open space at floor level • Seating usually a stepped arrangement on 4 sides of acting area • Fully 3-dimensional playing area • Very restricted scenery due to sightlines • Generally no fly system AUDIENCE • Scene changes made in full view or in semi-darkness, usually by hand • Passageways running under seating and opening onto the acting area = vomitoria STAGE AUDIENCE AUDIENCE AUDIENCE

11. Arena Stage

12. Arena Stage

13. Flexible Space • No defined rules about the audience/actor relationship • Arrangement changes from production to production or even during the same performance • In modern times, the flexible space has been used since the 1960s • When indoors: often referred to as a black box since it is basically a a bare room with black walls • Indoor or outdoor; small or large • Intermingled arrangement may use multiple focus AUDIENCE AUDIENCE STAGE AREA AUDIENCE

14. Flexible Stage

15. Collaborative Production Design • The audience typically perceives a production design through hearing and seeing • Aural components include: • Sound Design • Actor’s Voices • Visual components include: • Scenery • Costumes • Lighting • Actor placement and movement

16. VISUAL elements of design • Line • Shape • Space • Color • Texture • ORNAMENTATION • These elements function as building blocks for designers and for the director

17. Collaborative Production Design • Basic principles of design: • Harmony • Balance • Variety • Proportion • Rhythm • Emphasis • These elements help the designers and the director to use the visual elements effectively

18. Collaborative Production Design Costume Designer Scenic Designer Lighting Designer Sound Designer Director PRODUCTION CONCEPT common interpretation or goal coordinated aspects of production cohesive experience for audience

19. Collaborative Production Design • Most designers begin with the script, completing a series of readings to accumulate relevant information on: • Action • Characters • Themes • Language • Meaning

20. Collaborative Production Design • Designers also use other sources to assemble information on topics such as: • The specific look of the period of the play’s action • The manners and customs of a time period or culture • The theatrical conventions of the time period during which the play was written/performed • The quality of light and sound in various locations indicated in the play • The political and social contexts out of which the play came • The designers and the director meet to discuss the play and its interpretational focus

21. Costumes Lighting Sound Scenery Each element can project messages and evoke responses Lighting Costumes Sound Scenery Theatrical production is an inherently collaborative process. The final product is a group creation.