Intro to Theater: Test 1
Theater – the act of seeing and being seen
From Greek theatron – the seeing place
Theater requires:
1) Actor(s)
2) Audience
3) Space
Theater is interactive; it does not occur until an audience is
there to witness it
Stages:
- Proscenium Arch: An arch frames the stage
oAudience is lined up in straight rows (limited views)
oCreates a stage picture (frame)
oFront vs. back row seating gives different pictures/views of
the play
- Proscenium Thrust: 360° Theater, Theater in the Round, Arena
Stage
oArch thrusts out into the space
oThere are different audience banks
oDirector has to sit in seat from each audience bank to make
sure each view still portrays the picture he wants seen
oBuilds more intimacy with the audience
oGives the actor the ability to act in 360°
- Black Box Theater – most common
oSquare space, painted black
oCan be modified however director wants it to look
oAudience and stage can be set up however the director
wants
oCreates a more intimate experience, acting continues into
audience
oRarely more than 100 in audience
What does the audience expect from a play?
- A Story
- Drama/A Conflict (or conflicting need)
- Action
