What was the purpose of the trapdoor in the stage?

Answer 1

In one scene from Macbeth the three witches conjure up Hecate, three apparitions, the ghost of Banquo and a procession of kings. These apparitions probably came up through the trapdoor in the floor of the stage where the witches' cauldron was.

Answer 2

The Globe Theatre was designed to include some provisions to produce special effects. Trapdoors were built in the floor of the stage (called Hell) and in the stage ceiling (the Heavens). The height of the stage was five feet - so the area beneath the stage was easily big enough to hold both actors and props. This area underneath the stage was given the title "Hell". Some props or special effects could therefore be 'entranced' or 'exited' via the trap doors. Actors could appear or disappear via the stage trapdoors. The ghost of Hamlet could miraculously be made to appear or disappear. The Globe Theatre Heavens was the name given for the false ceiling over the stage. The false ceiling was also designed with trap doors. Through the Heavens trap doors Globe Theatre actors, attached by a harness with wires or ropes, could make flying entrances on to the stage and props could be lowered on to the stage. The effect of this on the audience must have been very exciting, leaving a lasting and dramatic impact.

Answer 3

A trap door in the stage can be useful for a number of purposes. In Hamlet, it served as Ophelia's grave; it was probably Juliet's grave as well. In Henry V, Fluellen, Jamy and Macmorris probably used it as a tunnel to mine the walls of Harfleur. The apparitions in Macbeth might come up out of the trap door; the witches might exit that way.

There was also a trap door in the ceiling from which an actor could be lowered, as Jove was in Cymbeline, and possibly Hymen in As You Like It.

Answer 4

so the Phantom of the Opera could get in and the people could find out something about the phantom. But if you want a specific answer, watch it.

Answer 5

of course, they used different levels on the stage from trap doors to stairs!

Answer 6

The Elizabethan theatre had trap doors for dramatic entrances during the preformances of plays.

Answer 7

Trap doors are used to transfer luggage or people down to the basement to get changed, or to make a massive entrance or exit!

Answer 8

To bring people up and onto the stage...