What is a thrust in staging?

In theatre, a thrust stage (also known as a platform stage or open stage) is one that extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area by its upstage end.

Why is it called a thrust stage?

Thrust stages As the name suggests, these project or ‘thrust’ into the auditorium with the audience sitting on three sides. The thrust stage area itself is not always square but may be semi-circular or half a polygon with any number of sides.

What is a famous example of a thrust stage?

Famous theatres with thrust stages today include the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis (see photo), the Olivier at the Royal National Theatre in London, and the Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario. Most terms for parts of the proscenium stage are the same, or slightly adapted, in a thrust theatre.

What is good thrust stage?

Advantages: A thrust has the advantage of greater intimacy between audience and performer than a proscenium, while retaining the use of a backstage area. Entrances onto a thrust are most readily made from backstage, although some theatres provide for performers to enter through the audience.

How long is a thrust stage?

The Globe has a rectangular stage platform, also known as an ‘apron stage’, thrust out into the middle of the open-air yard. The stage measured approximately 43 feet (13.1 m) in width, 27 feet (8.2 m) in depth and was raised about 5 feet (1.5 m) off the ground.

What is the difference between a thrust stage and a proscenium stage?

The proscenium stage is defined by its sharp separation of the action of the play from the audience (usually by the frame), while the thrust stage pushes the action of a play into the audience.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a thrust stage?

Thrust Staging

Thrust Staging
Advantages Creates an intimate atmosphere Easy to block Helps actors to feel immersed Generally good sight lines	Disadvantages Actors may feel intimidated Limited entrances and exits for the actors Set can be viewed from multiple angles so must be 3D Audience may be distracted by each other

What are 3 advantages of a thrust stage?

Which stage positions are furthest from the audience on a proscenium or thrust stage?

Instead, the term “upstage” is used to denote the part of the stage furthest from the audience or to motion away from the audience, while “downstage” denotes the portion of the stage closest to the audience or to motion in that direction.