Jacob van Campen's Schouwburg of 1637 was an extraordinary combination of old and new. The auditorium had rows of boxes between pilasters (which Wren may possibly have known), but the stage was a sort of multi-locational scaenae frons, with several vestigial mansiones grouped together on an open platform without a proscenium arch, but providing space for painted fiats.

Auditorium had classical pilasters, two tiers of boxes and (most advanced of all) a spacious raked gallery at the top. In the parterre, there was standing room only. The stage  consisted of a permanent multiple set based on the Rederyker 'frontispiece' stages that were set up in the street or in courtyards. (The Rederykers were oratorical societies who held competitions in plays and recita­tions.) But painted flats in the modern kalian style could be fitted between the columns. 

In: Tidworth, Simon : Theatres: An Illustrated History. London 1973 p. 76

Author: Simon Tidworth