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Puppetry can add magical and imaginative elements to a show. 'Avenue Q' relies on puppetry to bring its unique characters to life, with actors visibly manipulating them.

A revolving stage can create fluid scene changes and dynamic visual effects. 'Miss Saigon' uses a revolving stage to transport the audience through different locations in the story.

Choreography in musical theatre elevates the narrative and emotional content. 'West Side Story' incorporates dance battles that reveal character tensions and advance the story.

Stage automation includes motorized scenery and moving platforms, which create dynamic stage pictures. In 'The Lion King,' automation is used for the Pride Rock scenes, impressively simulating the savanna landscape.

Flying effects are used to create a sense of magic and fantastical realism. 'Mary Poppins' features characters flying with umbrellas, creating whimsical and memorable scenes.

Sound design is essential for clarity and atmosphere. It can include live sound effects and microphone use. 'The Sound of Music' uses sound design effectively to mix singing and dialogue with the live orchestra.

The layout of the audience can vary, such as traditional, in-the-round, or immersive staging. 'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812' offers a unique immersive experience by seating the audience amidst the action.

Trap doors and scenic lifts allow for sudden appearances or disappearances on stage. These are used in 'Aladdin' to create magical entrances and exits, fitting the show's fantastical theme.

Sets in musical theater often need to quickly change to depict different locations and times. For instance, 'Les Misérables' uses a turntable to change scenes seamlessly, symbolizing the passage of time and movement through space.

Lighting enhances mood, focuses attention, and can even lead to plot understanding. The color and intensity shifts in 'Hamilton' help underscore emotional moments and shift between past and present.

Orchestras in musical theater can be placed in front of, beneath or behind the stage. These placements can change how the music interacts with the performance. For example, in 'Phantom of the Opera,' the orchestra is hidden but its presence is deeply felt throughout the performance.

Props in musical theater serve as extensions of characters and help in storytelling. In 'Wicked,' Elphaba's broom is not just a prop but also a symbol of her transformation and empowerment.

Costumes aid in character development and can be time-period specific or symbolically abstract. 'Cats' costumes uniquely combine the human and feline, helping actors embody their roles.

Some musicals break the fourth wall, encouraging direct engagement with the audience. In 'The Rocky Horror Show,' the audience is a part of the show, with call-backs and props.

Backdrops and cycloramas provide context and depth to a scene, which can be painted or digitally printed. In 'Mamma Mia!', a cyclorama is used to create the scenic Mediterranean atmosphere.

In some musicals, actors play instruments on stage, revealing character traits and talents. 'Once' is a musical where the actor-musicianship is central to the show's storytelling and mood.

Staged fights must blend seamlessly with the narrative, requiring precise choreography and practice. 'Sweeney Todd' showcases intricate stage combat blended with dark theatrical elements.