Four sided stage built like a box with one side cut away, enabling the audience to view the play as if it were in a picture frame.

• Proscenium Arch Stage

• Grand Drape

• Wings

• Apron

The draperies covering the proscenium opening, separating the audience from the stage.

• Grand Drape

• Wings

• Apron

• Fourth Wall

Offstage spaces to the sides of the acting area.

• Wings

• Apron

• Fourth Wall

• Arena Stage

The part of the stage extending past the proscenium arch toward the audience.

• Apron

• Fourth Wall

• Arena Stage

• Thrust Stage

The invisible wall through which the audience watches the action.

• Fourth Wall

• Arena Stage

• Thrust Stage

• House

A stage constructed so that the audience can sit on all sides; also known as “theatre-in-the-round.”

• Arena Stage

• Thrust Stage

• House

• Upstage

A stage that extends into the seating area. The audience sits on three sides of the stage.

• Thrust Stage

• House

• Upstage

• Downstage

Section of the theater where the audience sits.

• Hosue

• Upstage

• Downstage

• Backstage

When standing center, the area behind the actor.

• Upstage

• Downstage

• Backstage

• Blocking

When standing center stage, the area in front of the actor.

• Downstage

• Backstage

• Blocking

• Cross