WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

Timothy Mackabee’s award-winning design for The Odd Couple at Dallas Theatre Center. End-on stage Possible advantages • A neutral stage configuration that lends itself to a range of periods and styles. • Similar to proscenium arch in that a distinct and separate world can be created. • Backdrops, projections and large pieces of scenery work well. • Straightforward in terms of lighting and sound design. Potential problems • The distance between the back of the audience and the acting area can be lengthy. • If the stage is raked, anything with wheels will need to be wedged or have brakes. • If seating is not raked, sightlines can be a problem. • Details in costumes and small props might not be seen clearly. Thrust stage Possible advantages • The large apron provides an acting area close to the audience, which helps the audience to feel involved. • Props and costumes can be detailed. • The main stage can incorporate large pieces of scenery, projection and backdrops. • Useful for using different levels, as many thrust aprons include a step. Potential problems • Sightlines can be very complex. Audience members on the side banks of seating, for example, will struggle to see action on their side of the main stage. • No scenery or tall pieces of furniture can be placed on the apron. • Side-lighting the apron can be problematic as the audience could be dazzled: steep angles are needed. LOOK HERE See page 204 for a diagram showing positions on stage. • Small props are not always easy to see because of the distance between the acting area and the back of the stalls or circle. • Often involves seating part of the audience in raised circles, which means some viewers are a long way from and almost above the acting area while the front row of the stalls is very close. Sound and lighting must be carefully balanced to compensate for this. An end-on stage in a small auditorium. 13 Understanding Design in Drama and Theatre