Arena Stage (Theatre-in-the-Round)
(for other examples and discussion, see Wilson, 337-339)
Pros of the Arena Stage:
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Very intimate-closer to the action than with a proscenium stage; can see other audience members across the stage
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Lends itself to varied kinds of plays
Cons of the Arena Stage:
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Can't use very realistic scenery
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Someone's back is always facing the audience
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Can't use traditional stage areas
This
image is taken from Oscar G. Brockett, The Essential Theatre, 5th edition
(Harcourt, 1992), p. 280; source drawing by David Betts.