This lesson will focus on different stage configurations. It is ideal for students aged 12 to 15.

Task 1

What stage configurations are you familiar with? Think about the last time you saw a performance. What was the design of the theatre? Were you sat all around the stage? Were you sat directly opposite the stage? You might know the name of the type of configuration.

Write about your experiencing of the theatre you went to and how where you sat effected the way you enjoyed the performance.

Task 2

Read through the information on this website and watch the video. Take notes on it so you can refer back to it later without having to go back onto the internet.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z7qsxyc/revision/1

The site will tell you all about different types of stage configurations. It covers;

• End On
• Proscenium Arch
• Thrust
• Traverse
• In The Round
• Prominade

Task 3

Use the notes you have taken to make complete this table.

	What are the advantages of using this stage configuration when performing theatre?	What are the disadvantages that of using this stage configuration when performing theatre?
End On
Proscenium Arch
Thrust
Traverse
In the Round
Prominade

You can print this out, copy it into your book or download a copy of just this table from here.

Task 4

Answer these questions in full sentences. If possible, give examples from your own experiences of visiting theatres and watching performances.

1. Why would you choose to perform a musical production in a Proscenium Arch configuration rather than a Traverse stage configuration?
2. What kind of theatre performance do you think would suit an In the Round stage configuration?
3.  When planning a Promenade performance, what do you think you need to take into consideration and why?
4. What do you think are the benefits to using a Thrust Stage over a Proscenium Arch stage configuration?
5. Why would you want to perform a Naturalistic piece of theatre on an End-On stage configuration over any other type?