The Basics On A Theatre Stage.

           Since we have discussed what types of stages can be found in theatre, it only seems right to talk about what is actually on a theatre stage.  Always just thought that a stage, was just a raised platform with curtains? Well you, not completely wrong, but your not right either. What you see on a stage, might look normal, but they have meanings in theatre, and having a good stage is important in theatre.  When you view the stage, from the audience you see the opening of the stage, this is the front view of the stage. There there can be things like the proscenium arch, which is a framed opening in which the audience see's the play. There are different kind of drapes for areas too, a valance is the top part of the main drape, and a teaser is the a type of drape, but located directly above the main stage area. 

       On stage, there are legs which are side curtains on a stage, and also wings which can't be seen by the audience but it's space on both sides of the stage, where scenery, props, etc. are stored during a show to make scene changes. It's also were actors wait before they enter on the stage. There's the apron, which is downstage, near the front drape. The audience area of the theatre, where the audience sits, is called the house. Which is why you probably hear the term in theatre, it's a full house. 

                                           
Here's a simplified look of a stage, from a bird's eye view. It doesn't show all of things on a stage, what is on a stage can vary, but this is the gist of what a theatre stage looks like. Notice how downstage is at the front of the stage, and upstage is in the back, this is usually because it is a slightly raked stage, and it goes from up to down. 
http://www.examiner.com/theatre-in-nashville/the-stage-the-invisible-character
^^ Here's the link to the photo. 


Hopefully this gave you a little insight, on what is on a theatre stage, and you can recognize it if your ever on a stage! It may seem confusing at first, but it's easy to remember.