Kinds of stage

Author: Jhon Tony

Before the starting of any drama, you need to select the type of stage according to your character performance and scene demand. For the selection of the stage you should have the complete information about stage kinds or types. The following, we are mentioning, are few types of stages which will guide you while directing any stage drama, theatre or concert.

PROSCENIUM STAGE:-

Proscenium stage is a stage where audience sits on one side. This stage is also known as ‘end-on stage’ and audience sits at a lower height. This stage uses for small scale functions. Usually schools and colleges administrations go for such stage hire for their functions.

IN-THE-ROUND STAGE:-

Round stage is a stage which positioned the audience at the centre. This stage has this ability to catch the audiences’ attention completely. This type of stage is good for drama; because drama needs full audiences’ involvement. This stage has strong advantages; like the personal attraction of the performer with the audience.

THRUST STAGE:-

Thrust stage is a stage where audiences sit in two sides and creates the intimate atmosphere. Such types of stages are use for large scale functions; especially for modeling. These stages were popular in Elizabethan period during Shakespeare time when microphones still had to be invented. That time, the Thrust was open and people sat around the stage, though elite sat on balconies around the stage. Thrust was best known for soliloquies.

These are the most common kinds of stages; may be performing spaces vary but above three kinds are the ever known kinds of conventional stages. There are many stage hire companies who are earning through these conventional stages.

MOBILE STAGE:-

Mobile stage is a best example of ‘portable stage’. It is latest type of stage. These stages are use for outdoor open air events. These stages are mostly use for musical concerts.These stages are famous in all over the world especially in USA. There are many professional stage hire networks which are working in USA and providing a complete package including professional audio, lighting, backline and banners.

People are also using these stages as open shops, food points and clubs. Western community is openly hearted like all the activities on such mobile stages. In the recent survey, these surprising facts come in front that Mobile stage hire is emerging as a popular business and many people are showing their interest to invest in this business.

AREAS OF THE STAGE:-

All the types of stages have areas names for the convenience of the people. With the help of areas names; people can easily say where an actor needs to be. The areas of stage always depend on the actor so ‘stage left’ (SL) means the actors left side while facing the audience.

ABBREVIATIONS FOR THE AREAS OF STAGE:-

These are the common abbreviations of areas of stage:

  • USR - Upstage Right
  • CR - Centre Right
  • DSR - Downstage Right
  • USC - Upstage Centre
  • CL - Centre Lefts

Find more information relating to stage hire, and sound equipment rental here.