Black box theater

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The black box theater is a relatively recent innovation, consisting of a simple, somewhat unadorned performance space, usually a large square room with black walls and a flat floor. Such spaces are easily built and maintained, and are usually home to plays or other performances with very basic technical arrangements, such as limited sets, simple lighting effects, and an intimate focus on the story, writing, and performances rather than technical elements. The seating is typically loose chairs on platforms, which can be easily moved or removed to allow the entire space to be adapted to the artistic elements of a production. Common floor plans include thrust stage, modified thrust stage, and arena. Colleges and other theater training programs like the black box theater because the space is versatile and easy to change. Many theater training programs will have both a large proscenium theater, as well as a black box theater. Not only does this allow for two productions to be mounted simultaneously, but they can also have a large extravagant production in the main stage while having a small experimental show in the black box. Most older black boxes were built more like television studios, with a low pipe grid overhead. Newer black boxes typically feature catwalks or tension grids, the latter providing the flexibility of the pipe grid with the accessibility of a catwalk. Black box theaters became popular and widespread particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, during which low-cost experimental theater was being actively practiced as never before. Since almost any warehouse or open space in any building can be transformed into a black box, including abandoned cafs and stores, the appeal for nonprofit and low-income artists is high. The black box is also considered by many to be a place where more "pure" theater can be explored, with the most human and least technical elements being in focus. Singapore Indoor Stadium Ideal for intimate recital and theatre, cabaret-styled events or even stand up comedies, the blackbox is equipped with theatre drapes around the performance area, basic motorized lighting rig, sound system and control panels, plus a retractable riser system to provide a range of flexible tiered seating arrangements. Two adjacent changing rooms accommodating up to 12 - 18 artistes provide ample dressing room facilities for most productions held in the black box. Guests can also enjoy the opportunity to mingle in the elegantly designed reception area to enjoy a pre-show cocktail or interval refreshments.

Proscenium stage
The interior of the Auditorium Building in Chicago built in 1887. Note how the arch above the stage is repeated in the house. This repetition serves as a way of amplifying the sound from the stage. Since the Italian Renaissance, the most common stage used in the West has been the proscenium stage which may also be referred to as a picture frame stage. The primary feature is a large arch, the proscenium arch, through which the audience views the performance. The audience directly faces the stage--which is typically raised several feet above front row audience level--and views only one side of the scene. This one side is commonly known as the fourth wall. The proscenium arch evolved from the proskenium in Ancient Greek theatres. This was the space in front of the skene or backdrop where the actors actually played. The proscenium hides the sides of the stage, called the wings, which may be used by theatre personnel working on the particular performance as well as a space for storage of scenery and theatrical properties, typically obscured by side curtains, called legs. Often, a stage may extend in front of the proscenium arch which offers additional playing area to the actors. This area is a referred to as the apron. Underneath and in front of the apron is sometimes an orchestra pit which is used by musicians during musicals and operas. The orchestra pit may sometimes be covered and used as an additional playing space in order to bring the actors closer to the audience. The stage is often raised higher than the audience. Space above some proscenium stages may include a flyloft where curtains, scenery, and battens supporting a variety of lighting instruments may hang. The numerous advantages of the proscenium stage have led to its popularity in the West. Many theatrical properties and scenery may be utilized. Backdrops, curtains and lighting can be used to greater effect without risk of rigging being visible to the audience. Entrances and exits can be made more graceful; surprise becomes possible. The actors only have to concentrate on playing to the audience in one direction Theatre Projects designed the Esplanade theatre stage to work well for a variety of events with a fully adjustable proscenium arch, two full-sized ancillary stages (rear and side), a 30m-tall (98') fly tower, and an adjustable orchestra pit for up to 95 musicians. "The proscenium opening is wider than in a Western theatre, and can open up to 80' (24m) to accommodate Chinese opera as they want it to be," says Staples. When the proscenium arch is opened, the lighting positions move farther offstage into the wings. "The system is entirely flexible and lighting instruments can hang on any pipe in the fly tower," says Staples, who notes that the motorized rigging is by Mitsubishi, with controls by Bytecraft. These controls also handle the firedoors into the rear and side stage, all under-stage elevators and equipment, and a large wagon with a ballet floor (1815m, or 59'39'), the same size as the main stage elevator.