Bakscenen

Bakscenen is the backstage area of a theater or performing arts venue, located behind the stage and typically not visible to the audience. It serves as the operational hub where performers prepare, crews manage cues, and equipment and scenery are stored and maintained.

The space includes wings beside the stage, a fly tower or rigging area above, and various rooms such as dressing rooms, makeup and wardrobe areas, prop and set piece storage, and rehearsal or workshop spaces. Technical facilities like lighting and sound control rooms, along with the green room for performers, are also commonly part of the backstage complex. The arrangement supports quick changes, scene shifts, and the smooth execution of performances.

Staff and roles associated with the bakscenen include stage managers, fly crews, prop masters, costume and wardrobe staff, electricians and sound technicians, and stage hands. They coordinate rehearsals, cueing, set changes, and the handling of props and costumes to ensure performances run on time and safely.

Access to the bakscenen is typically restricted to authorized personnel, including performers and crew. Safety considerations are important, with attention to clear walkways, cable management, fire exits, and proper equipment handling. Changeovers between acts or performances require careful planning to minimize delays and protect both people and materials.

Historically, backstage areas evolved with the development of modern theatres, from simple back rooms to integrated spaces that accommodate fly systems, movable sets, and advanced lighting and sound technology. The term bakscenen remains common in Scandinavian languages to denote this essential but audience-hidden part of a production.