proscenium

The Dionysostheater in Athens with Orchestra, Proskenion and Skene

Proscenium boxes (in the Konzerthaus Ravensburg )

The proscenium or proskenion ( Latin proscenium , from ancient Greek πρό pro "before" and σκήνη skene "stage") is the foremost area of a theater stage .

In the Greek theater the Proszenion ( προσκήνιον ) was the facade-like porch in front of the skene (back stage and cloakrooms), which was also used as a backdrop and where the actors also appeared.

Originally there were two protruding extensions on both sides of the Skene (common from the 4th century BC) , which were called Paraskenion (ancient Greek παρασκινιον "side stage"). From the 2nd century BC These were replaced by the Proskenion.

In modern theater, the proscenium is the front part of the stage between the curtain and the orchestra. Behind the proscenium is the “iron curtain”, which is required by law in Germany and Austria for fire protection .

On both sides of the proscenium there are mostly the - particularly representative - proscenium lounges , including the " Princely Lodge " in the past, now often the " Intendant's Lodge".