WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

The Railway Children at King’s Cross Theatre. The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Dukes Lancaster promenade performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream , with Andy Serkis as Lysander. This took place in a local park. Locations included woodland, lawns and next to (and even on) a lake. Traverse stage Possible advantages • The acting area is close to the audience, creating a more intimate relationship. • Props and costumes can be detailed. • The two ends of the acting area can incorporate large pieces of scenery, projections and backdrops, creating different ‘worlds’ or locations. Potential problems • No scenery or large pieces of furniture can be placed on the traverse itself. • Side lighting can be problematic as the audience can get dazzled: steep angles are needed. • Costumes need to be detailed at the back too. • Having audience members directly opposite each other can be distracting. Theatre in the round Possible advantages • The acting area is closer to the audience, which helps the audience to feel involved. • This configuration allows directors and designers to use the space imaginatively. • Having performers enter and exit through the corner aisles (close to the audience) can be exciting. • Props and costumes can be detailed. Potential problems • No scenery or large pieces of furniture can be used. • Lighting is problematic as the audience can be dazzled: steep angles are needed. • Costumes need to be detailed at the back too. Promenade theatre This type of staging is unique. It involves the audience walking (a promenade) from one location to another with the actors. Locations are often outdoors, or in large buildings such as warehouses. Possible advantages • Very exciting for both audience and performers. • Creates an atmosphere of ‘we’re all in this together’. • Suits productions with outdoor locations. Potential problems • The weather! • Challenging for all design options. • Considerable health and safety risks. 14 Understanding Design in Drama and Theatre