When the audience is positioned on three sides of the acting area, what is this staging called?

The correct term for when the audience is positioned on three sides of the acting area is thrust staging. This style of staging allows for a more immersive experience, as the audience surrounds the performers on three sides, creating a closer connection between the actors and the spectators. The thrust stage extends into the audience space, permitting enhanced sightlines and intimacy, which can deepen the engagement with the performance.

In contrast, the other options represent different staging configurations, such as promenade, where the performance moves among the audience; end-on or proscenium arch, which has the audience seated in front of a stage, similar to a traditional theater setup; and traverse, where the audience is seated on two opposite sides facing each other. Each of these options highlights unique audience dynamics, but for a format that involves three sides around the stage, thrust is the accurate terminology.