Performance Spaces

In a proscenium arch theatre, where does the audience sit?

• •behind a closed curtain
• ✓directly in front
• •on all four sides
• •on two facing sides

What is a traverse stage?

• ✓A long, narrow stage with the audience seated on two opposite sides
• •A stage raised high above the audience on a platform
• •A stage that extends into the audience on three sides
• •A stage where the audience sits in a circle all around

What is site-specific theatre?

• ✓Theatre performed in an unusual, non-theatre location chosen to fit the story
• •Theatre performed only in purpose-built theatres
• •Theatre where every seat has a perfect view of the stage
• •Theatre where the audience can see the backstage area

What is one advantage of theatre in the round for the audience?

• ✓Audience members feel close to the action and surrounded by the performance
• •Every audience member has exactly the same view of the stage
• •It allows very large sets and elaborate backdrops to be used
• •The director can hide surprise effects behind a back wall

What is one disadvantage of theatre in the round compared to proscenium arch?

• •Audience members cannot hear the actors clearly
• ✓Large sets and backdrops block some audience members' views
• •Lighting is impossible to focus from multiple angles
• •The audience is too far from the stage to feel engaged

How does the choice of performance space affect the audience experience?

• ✓It changes how close the audience feels to the action
• •It decides which actors can be cast in the production
• •It has no real impact — all spaces offer the same experience
• •It only affects how many people can attend the performance