The stage is the place where a theater performance takes place. In improv theater, it is usually an open area that is suitable and designated for playing. This area is visible to the audience.
Playing area
Since players not currently involved in a scene often stand at the edge of the stage but are not actively performing despite being present on stage, a distinction from the playing area is useful. The playing area is the section where the actual scenes take place.
Raised platform
The stage is frequently a raised area (a platform). This way, even spectators in the back rows can fully see what is happening on stage. A raised stage area is also helpful because many games or scenes take place sitting down or even lying down, and without an elevated section, the audience in the back rows would hardly see anything.
Stage size
The playable area of a stage should not fall below a certain minimum. That is roughly 3 x 2 meters (width x depth). If players who are not currently performing are also waiting at the edge of the stage - at least when they want to enter at any moment based on impulse - it quickly gets too cramped. Certain games generally require a larger stage: long forms, games with more than two active players such as grow and shrink, and many games involving spectators on stage such as complete the sentence.
Institution
The term stage is also used to refer to the individual institution or venue of a theater. A list of possible stages can be found, among other places, through the German Federation of Independent Theaters or via Theaternetzwerk.
See also: lighting