What is a trap door in theatre?

In theatre, a trap door is a concealed opening in the stage floor that allows performers, props, or scenery to appear or disappear quickly and dramatically. Trap doors are typically located in areas where the stage floor is not visible to the audience, such as under platforms or behind curtains. They may be operated manually or mechanically, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

- Making sudden entrances or exits

- Revealing hidden characters or objects

- Creating unexpected surprises or illusions

- Facilitating quick scene changes

Trap doors have been used in theatre productions for centuries and remain a popular and versatile stage effect. Some famous examples of trap doors in theatre include:

- In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the ghost of Hamlet's father appears through a trap door in the stage floor.

- In the musical Phantom of the Opera, the Phantom makes several dramatic entrances and exits through trap doors.

- In the play The Mousetrap, a trap door is used to reveal the murderer's hiding place.

Trap doors can add an element of excitement and surprise to any theatrical production, and can be used to create memorable and effective moments for the audience.