Theater Planning

Chapter 9Proscenium Stages

With this chapter we turn from the planning process to the design of specific elements within a theater building. We start with the design of the stage —specifically, the proscenium stage, since it is the most prevalent form. After a discussion of concepts, we’ll look at selected precedent theaters. Like much of theater design, the layout of the stage is heavily influenced by precedent—mainly because of the requirements that repertoire places on the size of the proscenium opening and the stage footprint.

Proscenium Opening

The defining features of a proscenium theater are the wall separating the auditorium and stagehouse and the opening in this wall that gives the audience a view into the stagehouse. Terms for this ...