Anatomy of the Venue: A Guide to the Parts of the Theater for Actors

A theater is composed of the stage, backstage, wings, house, fly system, and various support spaces. Most theaters have these six main areas, and all actors will need to know about them before they begin working on a production.

Stage

There are several different types of stages that actors may see throughout their careers. Each of these stages offers different opportunities and challenges for performers. 

• Proscenium stage: The most common type, characterized by a “picture frame” opening. With this type of stage, the audience views the action straight on, and actors need to be aware of their positioning to ensure they are fully visible and engaging with the audience.
• Thrust stage: Extends into the audience on three sides, allowing for a more intimate connection between performers and audience members. Actors must be mindful of their movements and blocking to ensure they are engaging with all sides of the stage.
• Arena stage: Also known as “theater in the round,” with the audience surrounding the stage. Performers must be comfortable with 360-degree visibility and adjust their blocking and movements accordingly.
• Black box theater: A simple, unadorned performance space that is flexible and can be configured in various ways. This type of stage offers endless possibilities for creativity, but actors must be adaptable to different seating arrangements and staging configurations.

Backstage

The backstage area of the theater is where actors can relax and prepare for their performances. Each piece of the backstage area plays a part in making sure the performance goes smoothly. 

• Green room: A waiting area for actors that provides a place to relax and socialize before and after their performances.
• Dressing rooms: Spaces for actors to change into costumes and prepare.
• Rehearsal rooms: Areas where actors practice their performances ahead of time. Rehearsals also typically include learning the correct stage directions for the performance.
• Prop room: Storage for props used in the production. Having a well-organized prop room is essential for ensuring that all necessary items are readily available during the show.

Wings

The wings of the theater are the sides of the stage where actors wait before their entrances. They are crucial for scene changes and managing stage traffic, and they’re also used for storing costumes and equipment that are needed at the ready.

Fly system

A system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights that is used to move scenery, curtains, and lights, this mechanism allows for items to be raised and lowered quickly and efficiently during a performance.

House

The area of the theater where the audience sits. It also typically includes the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. 

• Orchestra pit: A lowered area in front of the stage where the musicians perform. 

Control booth

The area where the lighting and sound operators manage the technical elements of the production.

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The sections of a theater are interconnected to create a cohesive and seamless experience.

• Stage and wings: Actors move from the wings to the stage and vice versa. The wings often house essential stagehands and props for quick changes.
• Backstage and stage: Backstage areas provide essential support for the stage. Rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and the green room are all connected to ensure actors can move efficiently.
• Fly system and stage: The fly system is directly above the stage and is used to manage scenery and lighting. Proper coordination is essential to avoid accidents and ensure seamless scene transitions.
• House and stage: The audience’s perspective is directed toward the stage, ensuring good sight lines and acoustics.
• Control booth and stage: The control booth oversees lighting and sound, coordinating with the stage manager so that cues are executed correctly.

Strive for awareness

Knowing how the control booth works will help you appreciate the complexity of lighting and sound cues, fostering better coordination during rehearsals and performances. Similarly, understanding the different stage configurations and adjusting your performance techniques accordingly will help you better engage with the audience.

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Mind your manners

Backstage areas are often cramped, so be mindful of noise levels and respect the space and time needed for others to prepare.

Ask for what you need

Particularly for those working in bigger productions, don’t be afraid to request revisions to your dressing room if that’s what you need to perform your best. 

For instance, dressing room designer Mike Harrison helps actors like Leslie Odom Jr. and Ben Platt transform their dressing rooms into their own personal space. “You spend so much time in a dressing room, and it’s important to reflect on what you need from the room,” he explained. “How do you need to feel in the room? If you’re doing a crazy, emotionally draining show like Cynthia Erivo was doing [for ‘The Color Purple’], just spilling her guts on the stage eight times a week, she needed a calm place, a completely centering place to come back to. But if you’re doing a really fun show and need to get your energy up, it might be interesting to play with some fun colors or do things that might get you in that mood. It doesn’t have to be anything grand, just little accents that play on whatever you need to go give a great performance.”

Use the wings efficiently

The wings are vital for quick entrances and exits, so stay alert and ready and make sure you know your cues and grab your props. Only use the wings when your return to the stage is imminent to avoid getting in a fellow performer’s way. 

Stay safe

Learn the ins and outs of fly system operations. Sudden movements can be dangerous if you’re not cautious and aware of what will happen during a performance—if you’re playing Captain Hook, you don’t want to get accidentally kicked in the head by a flying Peter Pan, after all.