The apron is any part of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience or seating area. The Elizabethan stage, which was a raised platform with the audience on three sides, is the outstanding example.
Most stages edges are curved slightly outward providing a very small apron. Some have a large playing space protruding into the audience and in turn a very large apron.
An apron stage can also be another name for a thrust stage.
Famous quotes containing the words apron and/or stage:
“St. Louis woman, wid her diamon’ rings,
Pulls dat man ‘roun’ by her apron strings.”
—W.C. Handy (1873–1958)
“She came out on the stage in yards of pearls, emerging like
a favorite scenic view, flashed her golden smile and sang.”
—Robert Earl Hayden (1913–1980)