Prosceniumbühne

Prosceniumbühne refers to a type of stage that is framed by a proscenium arch. This architectural feature creates a distinct visual separation between the audience and the performance space, effectively turning the stage into a picture frame. The proscenium arch itself is a prominent structural element that can be decorative or plain, and it defines the boundaries of the visible stage.

This staging convention is one of the most common in Western theater. It typically involves a stage that is deeper than it is wide, with the audience seated in front of it. The proscenium arch directs the audience's attention to the action on stage and allows for elaborate set designs and lighting effects to be hidden behind its opening. The space above and to the sides of the stage, known as the wings and the fly loft respectively, are crucial for stagecraft, enabling scenery to be changed and actors to make entrances and exits from concealed areas.

The proscenium stage offers excellent sightlines for the majority of the audience, ensuring that most viewers have a clear and unobstructed view of the performance. It is well-suited for realistic sets and plays that emphasize illusion and spectacle. However, it can also create a sense of distance between performers and audience compared to more open stage forms like thrust or arena stages. The historical development of the proscenium stage dates back to the Italian Renaissance and has been a dominant theatrical form for centuries.