1. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (Medieval Theatre)
During the Middle Ages, suppression of theatrical activities was a direct result of the church’s opposition to secular (non-religious) drama.
Ironically, however, the church is responsible for the revival of theatre after the Dark Ages.
Sometime during the 10th century, clerics began to use dramatized scenes to help convey their messages.
In the 13th century, the scenes became too complex to be staged inside churches, and so were staged outdoors.
Sometimes platform stages were built adjacent to the church, and the audience stood in the town square.
Pageant wagons were also common – stages built on wagons that could be pulled from town to town.
A medieval pageant wagon.
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2. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (Medieval Theatre: Common Characteristics)
Sets were identical in concept, if not in detail.
Sets also followed conventions created by clergy when productions were first crafted in churches.
Mansions – medieval set pieces; small buildings depicting locations for biblical stories being told
The mansions for heaven and hell were always on opposite ends of the stage from each other.
Platea – common acting area in front of the mansions where most of the play’s action took place. 2
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3. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (Medieval Theatre: Special Effects & Crew)
A large number of relatively realistic special effects were developed during this time.
Secrets – medieval stage machinery
Trapdoors, rigging to move people/objects around the stage, etc.
Technicians were formally hired to operate machinery – the first tech crews!
One noted production in Belgium in 1501 hired:
17 people to operate hell machinery
5 painters
Four actors
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4. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1500-1650 Theatre)
Thanks to the Renaissance, theatre became a central part of the cultural awakening spreading throughout Europe.
Secular (non-religious) drama became the dominant theatrical form.
Theatres were built all over Europe for the first time in over a thousand years!
Theatres were built based on descriptions of Greek & Roman theatres, due to a strong interest in classical forms.
However, architectural designers made many adaptations of their own. 4
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5. A Brief History of Theatre Architecture & Stage Technology (1500-1650 Theatre)
Teatro Olympico – theatre built in Vicenza, Italy between 1580 and 1585.
Built in the style of Roman theatres, but with tweaks:
The building was entirely enclosed – the first truly indoor theatre.
The cavea (auditorium) was not a semi-circle but an ellipse (oval), which improved sight lines.
The scaenae frons was not a single wall but was broken up by several arches.
The Teatro Olympico as it stands today.
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