Broadway Stage Grid or Clock or Something like that...

[classicalmusicplayer2]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 7:59pm

Hey all,

As I mentioned in before I'm new to Broadway. I've been watching interview where actors talk about mishaps that happen on stage and they'll say something like "at the end of the number I was supposed to be at 6 but my dress got caught and I was at 3 and the set started to come down on me."

I assume that they are referencing some type of organization method used to place people on stage and was wondering if someone could explain it (preferable with a visual aid) . Or point me towards a great resource about it because I can't seem to find anything.

Thanks!

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 8:17pm

They were probably referring to spikes, or specific spots on the stage normally marked by a special tape. These spikes are sometimes numbered to help actors remember where to stand or where to move to.

[A1st]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 8:23pm

There are numbers that do run across the lip of the stage. There is a zero at center stage and they go off in either direction stage right and stage left. So you could be at 2 SR, or 2 SL, they are different. Here is the best picture I could find, taken at aladdin. Hope this helps!

[sing_dance_love]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 8:25pm

In my experience, spike tape is usually used to make sure scenery and props are placed in specific spots, not so much actors.

What you're referring to is probably the number system. Many musicals use a series of (usually even) numbers placed on the ground at the very lip of the stage, so that actors can place themselves with a glance, and easily mirror someone who is supposed to be opposite them in a symmetrical formation. "0" is usually dead center on the stage and then even numbers are evenly spaced out in either direction to the ends of the stage. If you're placed on "6" on SL (stage left), it's an easy way to remember. If you're placed on "5" SL, you simply stand in the empty place between 4 and 6. Next time you sit in a box or front mezzanine, try to spot the numbers at the end of the stage.

EDIT: A1st got there just before me!

Updated On: 2/26/15 at 08:25 PM

[trpguyy]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 8:58pm

The numbers a designate feet from center. So if someone was supposed to be "at 6" but ended "at 3," they were three feet closer to center stage than they were supposed to be.

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 9:07pm

Yes, the numbers system! I've used it for years; it's great when you're in a rehearsal space that may be smaller than your stage because then you don't have to re-space things. I know when "A Funny Thing That Happened on the Way to Forum" ran in 1998, the numbers were Roman numerals, and some of the chorus dancers didn't know which numbers were which.

[classicalmusicplayer2]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 9:45pm

Thanks for the information! Could you try up loading the picture again please? The picture showing is one of a gypsy robe.

Thanks!

[Pootie2]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 9:51pm

The picture is fine, just look at his feet, on the red stage... He's standing on 3.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 2/27/15 at 11:38am

Actually he's standing on center - at 0.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 2/27/15 at 11:39am

It's not a grid or a clock. It's just numbers on the front of the stage.