1. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1650-1900 Theatre: Almost Modern!)
The interest in spectacle and visual effects moved rapidly across Europe during the next 100 years.
By 1660, the architectural style of theatre buildings and types of scenery used were fairly standardized.
Theatres were primarily rectangular with the stage at one end
The raked stage was framed by the Proscenium Arch
The flat apron was thrust toward the audience
The apron was the main acting space for plays
The national theatre in Prague.
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2. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1650-1900 Theatre: Almost Modern!)
Scenery was more elaborate, but still followed the tradition of providing a visual background
Perspective scenery was painted on movable drops and border curtains
The raked stage provided an added sense of depth
Actors generally entered through doors on the flat area, because if they entered on the raked stage it detracted from the perspective
Most plays took place in a general location, so stock sets were still used
If the theatre didn’t have a certain set, a suitable substitute was used instead of creating something new
Forced perspective was achieved with both painted scenery and a raked stage.
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3. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1650-1900 Theatre: Almost Modern!)
Auditoriums in theatres followed a traditional arrangement
Multi-tiered boxes for dignitaries & nobles
Galleries for those who could afford it
The pit for lower-class/not-wealthy people
Proscenium theatres during this period are nearly the same as modern ones.
Flat stages came to be used more toward the late 19th century
Stage machinery advancements came from Japanese kabuki theatre.
At first, it was performed outdoors
When it moved indoors, technology developed quickly!
The Uchiko-za Kabuki Theatre in Japan. Notice the different seating style!
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4. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1650-1900 Theatre: Almost Modern!)
Elevator Traps were introduced in 1736
A small elevator used to shift small pieces of scenery (or an actor) from the basement underneath the stage or vice versa. Usually 4’x4’ or 4’x6’.
Elevator Stages were developed in 1753
A large elevator used to shift large scenic elements or whole sets between the area beneath the stage and the stage
Revolving Stages were used starting in 1758
A large, circular disk that pivots on its central axis. Built into the stage floor as permanent equipment.
Concentric Revolving Stages were introduced in 1827
A revolving stage with, usually, two sections, one rotating inside the other
A view underneath the rotating stage at the Keho Theatre in Iizuka, Fukuoka, Kyushuu, Japan.
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5. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1650-1900 Theatre: Almost Modern!)
Lighting did not significantly develop until the 1780’s.
Candles and oil lamps were the primary source of light
They were placed in locations away from the audience’s view (except for chandeliers)
In 1783 the Argand oil lamp was invented
It produced brighter, whiter, and cleaner light
In 1792 technology to distill gas from coal developed, which initiated gas lighting in theatre
This was cleaner and brighter than any oil lamps
And it could be easily controlled!
The Argand oil lamp.
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