How to Adapt a Play for Non-Traditional Spaces - Stage Notes

Not every stage has curtains and a spotlight. Maybe you're working in a classroom, a black box, a conference room—or even on Zoom. The good news? Great theatre doesn’t need a proscenium.

Adapting a play for a non-traditional space just takes some creativity, flexibility, and a clear understanding of the story you’re telling.

Here’s how to make any space feel like a stage.

1. Start With the Script

First, read the play as written—but look for the essentials:

What absolutely must happen physically?
Are there major set pieces or location shifts?
What elements serve the story vs. just looking cool?

Highlight what’s flexible. Some stage directions are suggestions, not rules.

2. Know Your Space

Before you reimagine anything, spend time in the space:

What’s the audience layout (in-the-round? rows? online grid?)
Where can actors enter and exit?
What’s the lighting and sound situation?
What’s the vibe—intimate, industrial, awkward?

You’re designing with the room, not against it.

3. Embrace Simplicity

Minimalism is your friend in small or unusual spaces:

Use chairs, blocks, or levels to suggest locations
Let costumes and props do the storytelling
Skip the flats—use light, movement, or audio cues to create scenes

Less clutter means more clarity (and fewer tech headaches).

4. Adjust Blocking to Fit the Format

What works on a big stage might feel clunky in a black box—or chaotic on Zoom.

Try:

Keeping actors closer to the audience for intimacy
Using dynamic movement to keep the energy up
Being aware of sightlines and camera angles (for online performances)

On Zoom? Think about how to “stage” within a screen—eye lines, timing, backgrounds, and shared virtual cues.

5. Cut or Combine Where Needed (Respectfully)

If you're in a classroom or short timeframe, you may need to:

Trim scenes or transitions
Combine characters or eliminate ensemble roles
Simplify technical elements (especially sound/light cues)

Important: Always check with the script’s licensing terms before making cuts or changes—and get permission when needed.

6. Lean Into What Makes Your Space Unique

Got a weird hallway entrance? Use it as a dramatic reveal.
Performing online? Let actors "appear" from different virtual backgrounds.
Black box? Use the intimacy to make the audience feel like they’re in the scene.

Your limitations are actually creative launchpads.

7. Keep the Audience Experience in Mind

Just because it’s not a traditional theatre doesn’t mean the audience should feel disconnected.

Make sure they:

Know where to look (visually or on screen)
Feel immersed, not confused
Stay engaged through pacing, tone, and transitions

Treat the whole environment like part of the production.

TL;DR: Story First, Space Second

You don’t need a fancy stage to create powerful theatre.
When you stay true to the story and tailor your choices to your space, you can turn anywhere into a performance venue.

Whether it’s a classroom corner or a computer screen, it’s all about connection.

🎭 Looking for Adaptable Scripts?

Search Playwright Co for plays that work in black boxes, classrooms, and digital settings. Filter by cast size, technical needs, and performance format—so you find a script that fits your space.

Tags: theatre tips, play adaptation, directing in small spaces, black box theatre, classroom plays, online theatre, minimal set productions, flexible staging