What are the main different stage configurations and how do they differ from each other?

There are 4 main types of stage: Thrust, End On (or Proscenium Arch), In the Round and Traverse. A thrust stage is designed so that there are audience members on 3 sides of the stage, upstage, stage left and stage right and it is often used to create an atmosphere of intimacy and/or intensity to match what is occurring on stage. End on is the most common configuration which involves the audience being completely separate from the actors on stage, often at a lower level. It can be used for high end and high budget productions since there is a lot of space backstage and in the wings to store set and props. In the Round is a configuration which involves a round stage/performance space with the audience surrounding it in a circle, sometimes with entrances and exits placed between the seats. It is often used for either intense and claustrophobic or emotionally charged and intimate performances where the audience almost have no choice but to feel involved and engrossed in the action. This configuration is particularly difficult to work with in terms of set and props since they must account for each audience member being able to see clearly and there is nowhere to hide. Finally, a traverse stage involves the audience sitting on either side of the stage (stage right and stage left), so they end up facing each other across the performance space. This can create a charged atmosphere for the audience as well as for the actors on stage as the audience stare each other down and the actors are surrounded on either side. Much like a stage in the round, traverse is difficult to work with in terms of audience's eyelines not being blocked.