Thrust Staging is a theatre configuration that places audience seating around a performance area rather than in front of a proscenium arch. This allows the actors to move closer to the audience, which creates more intimacy for both the performers and the spectators. It also gives actors the ability to see their audience from a variety of angles, which can help to increase realism and add an immersive element to the performance.
The thrust stage can be shaped in any way, though it is most often square or polygonal and seats audiences on three sides. Actors enter through aisles or vomitories between the seating, and scenery is placed to avoid blocking the audience’s view of the action.
This type of staging is one of the oldest fixed theatre styles in Western culture, dating back to Greek theatres and continuing through pageant wagons and Elizabethan theatre. The Globe theatre was built in this style, as were most other Elizabethan theatres. Today, dozens of theatres use this design, including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada and the Chichester Festival Theatre in England.
Creating an immersive experience for the audience is the main reason why theatres use this type of stage design. While this can be difficult, it’s an important goal for a director and can help the production reach its full potential. Thrust Staging requires more work from the actors and is often more complicated for the audience to follow, but it can provide a more authentic and engaging experience.
Another advantage of thrust staging is the increased interaction between the actors and the audience. This is especially true in smaller theatres, where the seating is close and the space feels intimate. It can also be beneficial for dramas that focus on the power of relationships, as it can bring the audience closer to the characters and give them a sense of involvement in the story.
The acoustics in a thrust theatre are typically better than in traditional proscenium stages. This can make it easier for actors to hear their fellow actors, which is important for creating a more realistic soundscape. It can also be helpful for a production that needs to have a very quiet ambiance, such as a thriller or a murder mystery.
Thrust staging can be challenging for directors, as it’s more difficult to create scenic elements and sight lines are more restrictive. This can make it harder to set certain scenes, such as a battle scene or an argument. It’s also more difficult to stage stage combat on a thrust stage, as the audience can easily see fake punches and slaps from all angles.
Despite these challenges, the thrust theatre has many benefits, and it’s become very popular in modern productions. It’s also more sustainable than the traditional proscenium structure, as it reduces the need for extensive storage of sets and other props. It’s also easy to convert to a different type of staging if necessary, and it can be easier to use for experimental or immersive performances.