Editing Black box theater (section)

==Uses==

=== Educational uses ===
[[University|Universities]] and other [[theater]] training programs employ the black box theater<ref name="AK">
  {{cite web |last=Lobdell |first=Emily Hiser |editor-last=Day |editor-first=Kingsley |title=Annual Report 2009 |url=http://www.communication.northwestern.edu/publications/SoC_Annual_Report2010.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611224849/http://www.communication.northwestern.edu/publications/SoC_Annual_Report2010.pdf |archive-date=2010-06-11 |access-date=2012-12-06 |publisher=[[Northwestern University School of Communication]] |page=24 |quote=It was from this space in Annie May Swift Hall that we dedicated a black box theater to the late Alvina Krause (above), the legendary Northwestern acting and interpretation teacher whose methods remain the basis of our acting curriculum. The Alvina Krause studio and an endowment in her name to support productions there were made possible by gifts in her honor, including a lead gift from Krause students [[Richard Benjamin]] (C60) and [[Paula Prentiss]] Benjamin (C59). Tony Award winner [[Frank Galati]], another Krause student and professor emeritus of performance studies, spoke at the studio’s dedication. He called it a fitting space because of its flexibility for a range of performance forms. “she encouraged the study of art, history, philosophy, music, religion, languages, astronomy and the sciences, literature and literary criticism,” he said. “her own study was wide-ranging and eclectic.”}}</ref> because the space is versatile and easy to change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TDF Theatre Dictionary » Black Box |url=http://dictionary.tdf.org/black-box/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427232020/http://dictionary.tdf.org/black-box/ |archive-date=2020-04-27 |access-date=2019-02-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> The black backdrop can encourage the audience to focus on the actors, furthering the benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black Box Staging |url=https://getrevising.co.uk/grids/black-box-staging |access-date=2019-02-20 |website=getrevising.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, as the audience is now closer to the stage due to the lack of a [[proscenium]], a more intimate atmosphere is able to be created. This intimate space may also serve to try and eliminate the implied mental distance between the audience and actors, while it still physically remains. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Mi Suk |date=December 2010 |title=re-inventing the black box theatre |url=https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/3d14755a-787f-4cb2-a975-8987758e70ad/content |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu}}</ref> Many theater training programs will have both a large [[proscenium]] theater, as well as a black box theater. Not only does this allow two productions to be mounted simultaneously, but they can also have a large extravagant production in the [[main stage]] while having a small experimental show in the black box.

=== Fringe and festival use ===
Black box spaces are also popular at [[fringe theater]] festivals; due to their simple design and equipment they can be used for many performances each day. This simplicity also means that a black box theater can be adapted from other spaces, such as hotel conference rooms. This is common at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]] where the larger venues will hire entire buildings and divide each room to be rented out to several [[Theatre#Types|theater companies]]. "The Black Box Theatre" in [[Oslo, Norway]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Black Box Teater Oslo |url=http://www.blackbox.no/content/englishPresentation.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128114742/http://www.blackbox.no/content/englishPresentation.php |archive-date=2010-01-28 |access-date=2013-12-06}}</ref> and the [[Alvina Krause]] Studio at [[Northwestern University]]<ref name="AK" /> are theaters of this type.

=== Music and performance use ===
Black box spaces also see success within the music industry. These spaces are known to be used to host vocal and instrumental performances, rehearsals, shows, and competitions.<ref name=":2" />

=== Staging and layout ===
Such spaces are easily built and maintained. Black box theaters are usually home to [[Play (theatre)|plays]] or other performances requiring very basic technical arrangements, such as limited [[set construction]]. Common floor plans include [[thrust stage]], modified thrust stage, and [[theater in the round]].

=== Creative use ===
They also serve as versatile spaces for both traditional productions and experimental works, offering directors, performers, and designers the creative freedom to explore innovative staging and storytelling techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Black Box Theatre: An Intimate and Versatile Space for Innovative Performances |url=https://www.theatrehaus.com/2023/04/black-box-theatre-an-intimate-and-versatile-space-for-innovative-performances/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Theatre Haus |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== Challenges ===
Black box theaters have also been known to come with a handful of disadvantages. The open space may leave "too many" options that can leave many at a loss for direction or inspiration. Lighting issues arise as the primary lighting is typically above the performance area. During blackout scenes, the close proximity of the audience allows them to still see the transitions happening on stage.<ref name=":2" />