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Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

(d) A black box stage offers a backstage space: Backstage space is a space
used by performers for dressing or resting while the performance unfolds.
The performers also use this space for memorising lines as they wait to
assume their roles on stage. Some backstages have a washroom facility.
As it is in the proscenium stage, black box stage has a backstage space.
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(e) Intimacy between performers and audience is common: Black box stage
allows intimate relationship between performers and audience. This is
possible because the seats are usually placed close to the audience.

Advantages of black box stage
Advantages of using a black box stage for performances include the following.

(a) It has movable seats. The seats for a black box stage are movable to allow
multiple seat arrangements. Seats can be removed in case a need for
other activities such as meetings, workshops, seminars and other social
gatherings arises.

(b) Performances look natural: Since black box stage uses limited scenery
and light, performances look natural.

(c) It accommodates thrust, proscenium and arena settings. The stage allows
different types of stage setting. For instance, seats can be arranged in a
round, semicircle or one direction style depending on the nature of the
performance.

(d) It is cheap to construct: This kind of stage is less costly compared to
proscenium or thrust stages. It only needs carpets and curtains without
elaborative lighting equipment.

(e) It provides equal access to perform in buildings meant for theatre: Some
theatre artists cannot afford costs for big theatrical buildings because costs
are too high. A black box stage gives lower class theatre artists access to
use building meant for theatre performance because the stages are usually
small, and thus the prices are low.

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