Exam 3: Theatre Spaces: the Audience Views the Stage
Virtually all primitive forms of theatre used an arena style performance configuration.
True
Make a list of contrasting environments other than those that are part of your college or university (home, hotel lobby, public park, courthouse, airport, and so on). Describe the mood and atmosphere of each and the ways they contrast with one another. Then, do the same for various college environments (classroom, laboratory, gymnasium, chapel, library, student lounge). Discuss what type of play might be set in each of the spaces named.
Contrasting Environments:
1. Hospital Emergency Room - The mood and atmosphere here are tense and urgent, with the constant sounds of medical equipment and the sense of urgency among the staff. This contrasts with the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of a public park.
2. Nightclub - The mood and atmosphere in a nightclub are lively and energetic, with loud music and dancing, in contrast to the quiet and formal atmosphere of a courthouse.
3. Beach - The mood and atmosphere at the beach are relaxed and carefree, with the sound of waves and the warmth of the sun, in contrast to the bustling and hectic atmosphere of an airport.
Various College Environments:
1. Classroom - The mood and atmosphere in a classroom can be focused and studious, with the sound of students and the teacher discussing academic topics. This contrasts with the more casual and social atmosphere of a student lounge.
2. Laboratory - The mood and atmosphere in a laboratory are methodical and precise, with the sounds of equipment and the focus on experiments and research. This contrasts with the contemplative and quiet atmosphere of a chapel.
3. Gymnasium - The mood and atmosphere in a gymnasium are energetic and active, with the sounds of sports and physical activity, in contrast to the studious and quiet atmosphere of a library.
Possible Plays:
1. Hospital Emergency Room - A play set in this environment could focus on the high-stakes drama of medical emergencies and the intense emotions of patients, families, and medical staff.
2. Nightclub - A play set in a nightclub could explore themes of nightlife, relationships, and the clash of different social groups in a lively and vibrant setting.
3. Beach - A play set at the beach could capture the carefree and relaxed vibes of vacation and explore themes of leisure, romance, and personal reflection.
4. Classroom - A play set in a classroom could delve into the dynamics of student-teacher relationships, academic pressure, and the pursuit of knowledge.
5. Laboratory - A play set in a laboratory could explore scientific ethics, the excitement of discovery, and the tensions of competition and collaboration in the scientific community.
6. Gymnasium - A play set in a gymnasium could focus on the competitive spirit of sports, the physical and mental challenges of athletics, and the dynamics of team dynamics and rivalries.
How might a theatre critic's review be affected by the type of theatre space in which the production is set?
A theatre critic's review could be affected by the type of theatre space in which the production is set in several ways. For example, if the production is set in a traditional proscenium theatre, the critic may focus on how the staging and blocking make use of the space and how the audience's perspective is impacted. In a thrust or in-the-round theatre, the critic may pay more attention to how the actors interact with the audience and how the intimacy of the space affects the overall experience. Additionally, if the production is site-specific or immersive, the critic may evaluate how the unique environment adds to the storytelling and whether the space enhances or detracts from the production as a whole. Ultimately, the type of theatre space can significantly influence a critic's review by impacting their perception of the production's technical execution, the actors' performances, and the overall effectiveness of the storytelling.
How do the general condition of a theatre and the way it is decorated affect the expectations of an audience? How do their own expectations affect the responses of audience members?
The standard theatre throughout Europe and the United States from the eighteenth century to the early twentieth century was the formal arena stage.
All the seats in the auditorium face in the same direction in which of the following?
"Site specific" theatre productions are, by definition, performed in which type of space?
Earlier chapters in this text have discussed the multicultural nature of theatre in the United States. Is this reflected in the types of theatres being used?
Giacomo Torelli invented the counterweight system for which type of theatre?
An all-purpose theatre space that can be converted into different arrangements is sometimes referred to as a(n) ________.
Aggressive, politically-oriented theatre produced by an activist in the streets is called ________ theatre.
In which of the following is the stage area usually deep, allowing for elaborate scenery?
________ use unusual structures as they are, with their original architectural elements intact, carving out special areas for acting and audience seating/viewing.
Discuss how the size of a theatre might affect the audience's experience. How might it affect the performers? Would certain types of plays be more appropriate for a small space or for a large space?
The slant of an auditorium's stage floor is called a(n) ________.
Horseshoe-shaped tiers that ring an auditorium, where spectators sit, are called ________.
In which of the following is elaborate scenery impossible because it would block the view of the spectators?
Which of the following is also known as a "fourth wall" stage?
How might you have reacted had you been a member of the audience of Dionysus in 69 (described in this chapter of the text). What new perceptions might you have gained? Do you think the desired effect would have been achieved?
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