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Rake (theatre)

The raked stage (in section, right) of the 18th century Hermitage Theatre in St Petersburg
Illusion of perspective at the 17th-century theatre in Český Krumlov Castle, Czech Republic. The stalls' floor is level[1]
Stage design, showing rake and perspective, from the Bibiena school, northern Italy

A rake or raked stage is a theatre stage that slopes upwards, away from the audience. Such a design was typical of English theatre in the Middle Ages and early Modern era, and improves the view and sound for spectators. It also helps with the illusion of perspective. When features of the scenery are made to align with a notional vanishing point beyond the rear of the stage, the rake supports the illusion. These elements of scenery are termed raking pieces.[2][3]

Raked seating refers to seating which is positioned on an upwards slope away from the stage, in order to give those in the audience at the back a better view than if the seats were all on the same level.[4]

  1. ^ Hall, Peter Ruthven (Autumn 2019). "Working Theatre or Museum?". Sightline. 42 (3). Great Shelford, England: 21–22. ISSN 0265-9808.
  2. ^ Harrison, Martin (1998). The language of theatre. New York: Routledge. p. 215. ISBN 9780878300877.
  3. ^ Crabtree, Susan; Beudert, Peter (2012). Scenic art for the theatre (3 ed.). Oxford, England: Elsevier. p. 265. ISBN 9780240812908.
  4. ^ Audotoria Services, What is raked seating?, published 19 February 2015, accessed 13 October 2019

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倾斜式舞台 (剧院) Chinese

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