What is traverse stage?

A traverse stage is long and narrow with the audience sitting on either side, like a catwalk. As with theatre in the round, the audience can see each other, which helps to remind them that they are at the theatre and immerse them in the action on stage.

What are the cons of a traverse stage?

Disadvantages

  • Actors may feel intimidated.
  • Blocking can be challenging due to a lack of clear US/DS/SL/SR.
  • Limited entrances and exits.
  • Audience may feel distracted by each other.
  • Performing to two sides may feel artificial for actors.

What are the advantages of a traverse stage?

Traverse

  • Pros: The audience on either side can clearly see work that happens at two sides. The audience can see each other, creating intimacy.
  • Cons: The opposing sides of the audience might see two entirely different shows and sight lines are still an issue.

What are the different types of staging in drama?

The most common types of stage arrangements are listed below.

  • Proscenium stages. Proscenium stages have an architectural frame, known as the proscenium arch, although not always arched in shape.
  • Thrust stages.
  • Theatres in-the-round.
  • Arena theatres.
  • Black-box or studio theatres.
  • Platform stages.
  • Hippodromes.
  • Open air theatres.

How do you light a traverse stage?

For Traverse, the audience is on opposite sides of a long thin performance area. Light from above each audience is likely to shine into the eyes of the other audience, so cross-lighting from above the stage area is the best option. This works very well for dance / movement-based work.

What is a major problem for an arena theatre?

Arena theatres also complicate the management of the movement pattern for actors (the “blocking”), as they must perform to all sides of the stage without having their backs to any one side for too long a time and without preventing one part of the audience from seeing other actors.

What are the four main staging types?

Staging

  • proscenium arch.
  • end-on.
  • in the round.
  • traverse.
  • thrust.
  • promenade.

Where do the audience sit on a traverse stage?

A stage where the audience sits on two sides is called a traverse stage. Again, this type of stage is good for creating an intimate atmosphere as the audience are close to the action.

What is the standard size of a stage?

Stages usually range from 8×24 feet to 20×30 feet.