OpenStages is a combination of theatre systems placed into a three dimensional model of a theatre space. The theatre spaces can be either those supplied with the software or created from new, based on a space that you know and work with. Apart from the theatre spaces listed, openStages can create either a 'Generic Box Studio' or a 'Generic Proscenium Arch Theatre'.
Go to the 'File' menu and select 'New'. The following dialog will appear. The first two items on the 'Select a Theatre:' list are 'Generic Box Studio' and 'Generic Proscenium Arch Theatre'.
Selecting one of these will bring up a dialog asking for relevant dimensions that will allow you to create a model of a theatre that you know and work with.
All measurements must be taken square to the three XYZ axes. See the section on Cartesian coordinates in the Overview.
Be generous with dimensions, use the furthest point. When the initial model is complete it is then possible to add additional elements such as walls, columns or balconies. Many auditoriums taper toward the stage. If you enter the widest point then it is possible to adjust the existing wall or add an angled wall that will give the taper. Doors can be approximated with a black or textured panel just in front of the wall.
Exterior view of Generic Studio Theatre
The red bar on the floor shows where the front of the stage might be. The reason for this is to concentrate the lights over the stage. If the acting area can be anywhere in the space then make the Stage and Auditorium the same depth, each being half the total for the space. This will distribute the bars and lights evenly over the space.
When the initial space is finished it is possible to add elements to more closely replicate an actual space. Irregular spaces can be achieved by giving overall dimensions and then adding walls and columns. Seating blocks can be added to give raked seating and a raised stage can be added with a platform.
Dimension entry panel showing relevant Studio entries
| Theatre Name | The name for the model. This will also be suggested as the file name. |
| Units | Units selected in the 'New project dialogue'. |
| Stage Depth | The distance from the red bar (Setting Line) to the back of the stage area. |
| Auditorium Depth | The distance from the red bar (Setting Line) to the wall behind the audience. |
| Auditorium Width | The distance across the space from side wall to side wall |
| Auditorium Height | The vertical distance between the floor and the ceiling |
Exterior view of Generic Proscenium Arch Theatre
The red bar represents the 'Setting Line' and the green bar the 'Centre Line'. Where possible, measurements must relate to these reference lines.
When the initial space is finished it is possible to add elements to more closely replicate an actual space. Irregular spaces can be achieved by giving overall dimensions and then adding walls and columns. Seating blocks can be added to give raked seating and a raised stage can be added with a platform. A curved front to the stage may be created by giving the apron depth from the back of the proscenium arch to a line drawn between the ends of the curve and then adding the curved front from the scenery store.
Dimension entry panel showing relevant Studio entries
| Theatre Name | The name for the model. This will also be suggested as the file name. |
| Units | Units selected in the 'New project dialogue'. |
| Stage Depth | The distance from the red bar (Setting Line) to the back of the stage area. |
| Auditorium Depth | The distance from the red bar (Setting Line) to the wall behind the audience. |
| Auditorium Height | The vertical distance between the auditorium floor and ceiling |
| Grid Height | The vertical distance from the stage floor to grid or ceiling that supports the flys and lx bars |
| Height of Stage Floor | The vertical distance between the auditorium floor and the stage floor |
| CL to Stage Left |
Looking from the stage to the auditorium this is the distance between the green bar (Centre Line) and the left side stage wall |
| CL to Stage Right | Looking from the stage to the auditorium this is the distance between the green bar (Centre Line) and the right side stage wall. |
| CL to Auditorium Left | Looking from the stage to the auditorium this is the distance between the green bar (Centre Line) and the left side auditorium wall. |
| CL to Auditorium Right | Looking from the stage to the auditorium this is the distance between the green bar (Centre Line) and the right side auditorium wall. |
| Proscenium Width | The distance, across stage, between the inner sides of the proscenium arch. |
| Proscenium Height | The vertical distance from the stage floor to the underside of the top of the proscenium arch. |
| Proscenium Depth | The thickness, from front to back, of the proscenium arch. |
| Apron Depth | The distance from the back of the proscenium arch to the front of the stage. |
| Apron Width | The distance, across stage, from left side edge to right side edge of the stage in front of the proscenium. |
| Number of Bars | The number of scenic and lighting bars over the stage behind the proscenium arch. Two front of house bars are added. |
| Bar Length | The longest length of scenic and lighting bars over the stage, measured from side to side of the stage. |
The prebuilt theatre spaces supplied with openStages represent a cross section of the types of space used in theatre today. They are included to help the user become familiar with these spaces.
 |
Boilerhouse Studio, Egham Square flexible space. Victorian in character. |
|
 |
Cochrane Theatre, London Small conventional proscenium theatre. Notable for flat-ish audience rake. Back of audience is same level as stage floor |
|
 |
Cottesloe Theatre, London Rectangular studio space with two levels of balcony on three sides. Courtyard feel. Limited flying at one end and an option of raked seating at the other end. |
|
 |
Festival Theatre, Stratford Ontario Thrust stage with balcony. Dark wood finish. 2000 seat amphitheatre auditorium on three sides. |
|
 |
Ludlow Festival Theatre site Open air grassed courtyard that slopes down to recess in castle walls where the stage is traditionally placed. Entrance on stepped stone to one side of recess, and around either side. |
|
 |
Shakespeare
Memorial Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon RSC (This is the bare-bones, stripped down stage, over which they would lay a specially designed stage for the season.) |
|
 |
The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Thrust stage into a horseshoe shaped auditorium. Small rear stage, no flying. Courtyard feel to it. Wood and brick finish. |
|
 |
Theatre Royal, Glasgow Conventional Victorian horseshoe auditorium |
|
 |
The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon The pre 1990 converted tin shed. Balcony on three or four sides with a three sided audience on two levels. This space strongly influenced the Warehouse theatre in London. |
|
 |
Little Theater, Los Angeles
A wide stage and auditorium, typical of post 1945 theatre design. Conventional but no clear proscenium line. |