The Thrust Theatre

The Thrust Theatre

What's the difference?

Where does it come from?

What is a Thrust Theatre?

Like arena theatre, thrust stages have been around since Ancient Greek and Roman times - over 2000 years. The amphitheatre is the earliest known form of thrust stages. Amphitheatres were considered to be places of worship to the ancient Greeks. The God of Wine, Dionysus, was considered to be the patron of the theatre. He was even given an altar of worship. The Greeks believed that when you act, you have a kind of "out of body experience" - similar to when you drink. Alcohol often relaxes the drinker and allows them to behave in a way that wouldn't normally. Actors must learn to do this without alcohol. This is why Dionysus was worshipped in theatrical temples. When Christianity took power, many amphitheatres were robbed of their valuables and/or destroyed.

...But Different

The Same....

Thrust stages have all the charms of arena stages but with one major advantage: the fourth side. The closed part of the stage allows for bigger sets and more convenient exits/entrances for the actors.

Thrust stages have all the same challenges and benefits as arena staging:

• It removes the "fourth wall."
• Creates an intimate performance space.
• Invites the audience to become part of the performance.
• The actors have to move constantly.
• Props must be held up high.
• Sets must be minimal, or low to the ground.

• Any stage that is covered on three sides by the audience.
• It is also called a "three-quarter round," "platform," or "open" stage.

Thrust stage

Compare/Contrast

The Globe Theatre

Modern Amphitheatres

The Hollywood Bowl

• What are the disadvantages of a thrust stage?
• What are the advantages of a thrust stage?

This famous Los Angeles landmark originally opened in 1922. Audience members sat on makeshift wooden benches. As it gained popularity as a concert venue, improvements were made. Proper seating was installed as was its now famous shell arch which improves on the natural acoustics provided by the surrounding hills.

Built in 1599, The Globe Theatre is the most favorite thrust stage in the world because it is where William Shakespeare premiered most of his works. It was located just outside of London in an area the Church referred to as the "Devil's Nest." Shakespeare called his stage his "Wooden O" because it is a round structure made of wood and straw. It burnt to the ground in 1613 due to a misfired cannon. It was rebuilt, but was closed permanently by the Puritans in in 1642. The Globe was destroyed in 1644 to make way for cheap apartment buildings. In the 1990s, it was reconstructed, with special permission, using the same methods and materials with which is was originally built.

McKelligon Canyon

El Paso's own McKelligon Canyon is considered a "natural amphitheatre." It is built into a natural valley of the surrounding Franklin mountains. The echoes created by the canyon setting amplifies sound and makes for a perfect concert venue.

All The World's a Stage!