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