ABSTRACT
THRUST AND ARENA PRODUCTIONS Most plays can be performed in a variety of audience relationships. Some are very formal and distant (proscenium productions), while others explore a more intimate relationship between the performers and audience (arena and environmental). There are essentially two effects that must be considered when lighting productions in which the performers are surrounded on more than one side by an audience. The first relates to the varying perspectives of the seating areas, while the second relates to the proximity of the audience to the performer(s). Both reinforce the role of the performer as the major element of the stage composition and de-emphasize production elements like the scenery.
