Stage system

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The stagione system ( Italian stagione "season, season") is a type of theater operating in opera houses , which is in contrast to the repertoire system . Opera houses that work according to the stage system only add a limited number of operas to their repertoire each season . Usually these are new productions. The theater is often closed during the rehearsal period when the performances are being rehearsed. The productions are then shown in longer series (around ten performances) and then canceled again. Resuming older productions is rather the exception. That is why most repertoire works do not appear in the repertoire for years until a new production takes place.

In drama, one speaks more of en-suite theater or series theater in this context .

advantages

The stagione operation often relies on a large number of co-productions shown at different houses or productions that have been bought by other houses. This reduces the costs for the production of decorations and costumes, and the directors do not always personally supervise the revivals at other houses. This method also reduces the rehearsal times to a few weeks.

A characteristic of most houses with a stage system is that they do not have their own orchestra or choir. The ensembles are hired for each production. This also makes it possible to perform baroque operas and employ specialized early music ensembles for this purpose. Another advantage is that the number of employees behind the stage is much lower than at repertoire houses. Thus, Stagione houses are financially cheaper.

The artistic advantage of the stagione system is seen in the fact that stagings do not remain in the program for years. This would guarantee an up-to-date aesthetic. The fact that the cast remains the same also guarantees that the singers are familiar with the productions and have worked personally with the director. In addition, each performance is based on scenic and musical rehearsals that were not long ago. It is not usual that, as with the repertoire system, only rarely rehearsed performances are on the program.

disadvantage

The stagione does not offer a varied program. The theater or opera house is closed for several weeks during the rehearsal phase. During this time, the set is set up and rehearsed. The same performance can then be played for several days or weeks (in extreme cases months or years). It should be noted that, especially in the opera sector, no singer will sing for two days in a row, as this endangers his / her voice. You then need a second cast. Since a city theater or an opera house should usually offer a varied program as possible, the stagione system is not an alternative to the repertoire system for these houses.

Italy

The term stagione refers to Italy, where this kind of repertoire is part of the tradition of opera houses. There is a shorter theater season there than anywhere else in Europe. The lower operating costs also make it possible for smaller cities to show operas, some of which feature prominent singers, conductors and directors.

The best-known Italian opera house with a stage system, the Scala in Milan , has, however, turned to a modified version for several years. The season , which was previously limited to the period from December to July, was extended to include the months of September, October and November and is therefore the same length as that of the repertoire houses. In addition, the number of performances has increased, and older productions are sometimes played over many years and decades.

Conversely, some opera houses with a repertoire system have taken over numerous elements of the stagione houses ( semi-stagione ), including the Metropolitan Opera or the Vienna State Opera . They have reduced the number of pieces performed; most operas are shown in one series of performances per season.

Well-known opera houses with a stage system