BASIC ELEMENTS OF THEATER

A theater or theatre (also a playhouse) is a structure where theatrical works or plays are
performed or other performances such as musical concerts may be given. While a
theater is not required for performance (as in environmental theater or street theater), a
theater serves to define the acting and audience spaces and organize the theater space
as well as provide facilities for the performers, the technical crew and the audience.

There are as many types of theaters as there are types of performance. Theaters may
be built specifically for a certain types of productions, they may serve for more general
performance needs or they may be adapted or converted for use as a theater. They
may range from open-air amphitheaters to ornate, cathedral-like structures to simple,
undecorated rooms or black box theaters. Some theaters may have a fixed acting area
(in most theaters this is known as the stage), while some theaters such as black box
theaters, may not, allowing the director and designers to construct an acting area
suitable for the production.

On and off stage

The most important of these areas is the acting space generally known as the stage. In
some theaters, specifically proscenium theaters, arena theaters and amphitheaters, this
area is permanent part of the structure. In a blackbox theater the acting area is
undefined so that each theater may adapt specifically to a production.

In addition to these acting spaces, there may be offstage spaces as well. These include
wings on either side of a proscenium stage (called "backstage" or "offstage") where
props, sets and scenery may be stored as well as a place for actors awaiting an
entrance. A Prompter's box may be found backstage. In an amphitheater, an area
behind the stage may be designated for such uses while a blackbox theater may have
spaces outside of the actual theater designated for such uses.

Often a theater will incorporate other spaces intended for the performers and other
personnel. A booth facing the stage may be incorporated into the house where lighting
and sound personnel may view the show and run their respective instruments. Other
rooms in the building may be used for dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, spaces for
constructing sets, props and costumes, as well as storage.

[edit] Seating and audience

All theaters provide a space for their audience. The audience are usually separated
from the performers by the proscenium arch; in such proscenium theaters and
amphitheaters, these areas, like the stage, are a permanent feature of the structure.
This area is known as the auditorium or the house. Like the stage in a blackbox theater,
this area is also defined by the production.

Chester Fritz Auditorium: Stalls, Dress(grand) Circle and Upper Circle('Gods')

Garnier Opera House, Paris: Stalls, Boxes and Multi-level Balconies

The seating areas can include some or all of the following:

• Stalls or arena: the lower flat area, usually below or at the same level as the
stage. The word parterre (rarely, parquet circle) is sometimes used to refer to a
particular subset of this area, usually the rear seating block in the orchestra
stalls. The term can also refer to the side stalls in some usages. Derived from the
gardening term parterre, the usage refers to the sectioned pattern of both the
seats of an auditorium and of the planted beds seen in garden construction. One
example of a parterre seating arrangement can be seen at the Prince Edward
Theatre in London.
• Balconies or galleries: one or more raised seating platforms towards the rear of
the auditorium. In larger theaters, multiple levels are stacked vertically above or
behind the stalls. The first level is usually called the dress circle or grand circle.
The next level may be the loge, from the French version of loggia. A second tier
inserted beneath the main balcony may be the mezzanine. The highest platform,
or upper circle is sometimes known as the gods, especially in large opera
houses, where the seats can be very high and a long distance from the stage.
• Boxes: typically placed immediately to the front, side and above the level of the
stage. They are often separate rooms with an open viewing area which typically
seat five people or less. These seats are typically considered the most
prestigious of the house. A state box or royal box is sometimes provided for
dignitaries.
In addition, many theaters may provide areas specifically designated for the comfort of
the audience. These areas include a lobby where tickets and concessions may be sold
at the box office, restrooms, and other areas where the audience may promenade and
relax before, in between or after performances. These areas may be known collectively
as the "Front of House" or FOH.