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Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

Characteristics of a proscenium stage
(a) Scene changes are made out of audience’s sight: The stage simplifies
changes of scenes due to the presence of curtains and backstage. For
example, when the scene ends, the curtains are closed to allow arrangement
for the next scene. A backstage simplifies scene changes because it offers
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a room for performers to change costumes.

(b) The separation of audience from performers: A proscenium stage is
usually raised several feet above the audience’s floor. This separates
audience from performers. The separation leads the audience to feel
distanced from performers, thus limiting interaction between performers
and audience. The audience are separated by an apron. The apron is part
of stage in proscenium that extends into audience or seating area. Figure
3.3 shows a simple sketch of indicating an apron.

Figure 3. 3: Proscenium stage indicating an apron

Advantages of a proscenium stage
A proscenium stage is beneficial not only to the performers but also to the
directors, designers and the audience. The following are some of its advantages.
(a) Visibility: The raised stage creates an environment for the audience to
easily and clearly see what is happening on stage.

(b) Offers a perfect arrangement of set: The raised stage offers opportunity
for designers to arrange their equipment as they wish because the stage
is big enough. Sound, light and other properties which are necessary for
performances can be set with minimum challenges.

Form Five 58

28/06/2024 15:04
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 58
THEATRE ART F5 fnl.indd 58 28/06/2024 15:04