Black box theatre - Definition and Overview

Black box theatres are small, easily reconfigurable theatre spaces. They are usually painted entirely black, thus the name. However, any theater space with flexible seating can be called a black box theatre. Black boxes are often converted from other spaces (stores, cafes, etc). They usually do not have elaborate lighting, sound, or fly systems. Black boxes are often used by small, low-budget theatre companies which do not have the money to run a large space. Many larger companies will have a larger proscenium space in which they do shows they expect to sell well or family fare and a smaller black box space in which they do more experimental pieces.