ABSTRACT
This chapter turns the planning process to the design of specific elements within a theater building. It starts with the design of the stage - specifically, the proscenium stage, since it is the most prevalent form. The chapter looks at selected precedent theaters. Like much of theater design, the layout of the stage is heavily influenced by precedent - mainly because of the requirements that repertoire places on the size of the proscenium opening and the stage footprint. The defining features of a proscenium theater are the wall separating the auditorium and stagehouse and the opening in this wall that gives the audience a view into the stagehouse. The stage opening width is primarily determined by the types of performances that will take place on the stage. Opening width is not directly affected by the number of seats in the auditorium.
