Proscenium Configuration:
A staging
configuration in which the audience is seated on one side of the playing area, looking
into an enclosed stage, separated by a wall or some other physical barrier. This
configuration is pretty traditional and is how most theaters are built. Proscenium
configuration works best for the illusions that can be done with scenery. That is why most
illusionists work with their audience in only one direction. Lighting is done in a natural
way. |
Thrust configuration
A seating/
staging configuration in which the audience is on three sides of the playing area. With
this configuration, about half of the scenic illusion is being lost, but doubling the
intimacy. The actor/ audience spacial relationship is literally having actors right in
your face. Lighting is very tricking to do because you want to be able to light people in
a natural way. |
Arena Configuration:
The type of staging
configuration in which the audience surrounds the playing area. With this configuration,
about 80-90% of the scenic illusion is lost, but the intimacy is being increased
proportionately. Lighting is very tricking to do because you want to be able to light
people in a natural way. |
Alley Configuration:
A seating configuration that has
two seating units parallel, facing each other. This configuration is considered half
thrust and half arena. At the ends of the alley there can be a certain amount of scenic
illusion. In the space between the ends you are sacrificying a lot of scenery, but gaining
intimacy. Lighting is very tricking to do because you want to be able to light people in a
natural way. |