Why Most Sitcoms Feature Two Staircases: A Stagecraft Perspective
Why is it that in virtually every sitcom that has ever been made, the family’s home always has two staircases: one in the living room and one in the kitchen? The simple answer is stagecraft, but to understand why these two staircases exist, we need to delve into the intricacies of television production and the art of storytelling within the showbiz world.
Staging and Stagecraft in Sitcoms
When crafting an episode of a sitcom, time is a precious commodity. Each show has a limitedamount of time — typically 22 minutes for a half-hour sitcom. Every second counts, and that includes getting the characters from one room to another. If moving from the living room to the kitchen requires using the stairs just once, instead of twice, it cuts down on unnecessary scenes and keeps the plot moving smoothly. Staging plays a critical role in how scenes are structured and how characters transition from one location to another.
Show Biz and the Art of Entertain
Another reason for having two staircases in a sitcom revolves around the show biz elements. In theater and film, stagecraft is all about directing attention and drawing the audience’s focus. Enter and exit points are carefully planned to maximize the impact of each scene. Imagine the joy of having a character descend the stairs in a dramatic fashion, throwing angry words, or running up the stairs with authority. These entrances and exits not only add excitement but also serve as visual storytelling tools to convey emotions and narrative arcs more effectively.
Design and Practicality
It’s not just about artistic and dramatic choices, but also about practical design. In the typical US house layout, the main staircase leading to the sleeping quarters is usually off the main living area, allowing for a more open and functional living space. The kitchen, on the other hand, connects to a basement staircase, offering an additional exit and entrance point that’s convenient for everyday use and storage.
Unique Exceptions
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, with some sitcoms opting for more unique and unconventional designs. However, these are rare and often serve specific plot purposes. For instance, a character might need to access the basement for a particular scene, or the design might add to the show’s overall aesthetic and theme. Nevertheless, the two-staircase setup remains a common and widely recognized trope in sitcoms, reflective of its elegance in storytelling and stagecraft.
From a stagecraft perspective, the inclusion of two staircases in sitcoms is a testament to the art of storytelling and how television production balances artistic vision with practical considerations. It's a reminder that every element on screen, no matter how small, contributes to the overall narrative and the viewer’s experience.
Show biz is an industry where every detail matters, and the choice to use two staircases is a prime example of the strategic, thoughtful storytelling employed by sitcom producers and directors.