Kabuki scenes are expressed by the extensive use of Odogu (stage sets), Kodogu (props), the sound effects and music called Geza-ongaku, and stage mechanisms. A general explanation of the key points of various techniques and items used to express the situation is each scene, is given here.

Makugire means the time from just before a scene end to the moment when the curtain has completely closed. Effective dramatic techniques have been designed because Makugire is the conclusion of the scene, in order to leave a strong impression on the audience. A few Makugire are introduced here.

The photograph shows the Makugire (end of act) of the 'Terakoya' scene of "Sugawara denju tenarai kagami." When multiple characters on stage simultaneously pose doing Mie, and the composition of all characters on stage is arranged like a picture, this is called Emen no Mie. Emen no Mie maintains a tense relationship as if actors are pulling on each other, so it is also called Hippari no Mie (pulling pose). It symbolically expresses the situation of human relations in a Makugire scene and impresses the audience. The scene in this photograph expresses the situation in which the mother Sonu-no-mae and her child Kan Shusai, in the center, are shown respect by the other 4 characters.

In the Makugire of a Jidaimono (historical play) and Buyogeki (dance drama), stairs called Sandan (3 steps) covered with red felt are sometimes used in the center of the stage. The Zagashira, who is leading actor of the company, goes up the steps and does a Mie (pose). The Tateoyama, the leading Onnagata actor, generally uses Nidan (2 steps), one less than Sandan, to show deference to the Zagashira.
Sandan has the effect of emphasizing the importance of the Zagashira actor, and as shown in the photograph, the Makugire scene in which the company's major actors are lined up with the Zagashira at the center, gives audiences a very gorgeous and old-fashioned impression.

> "Gion sairei shinkoki"
	[Common name: "Kinkakuji"]
> > "Tsumoru koi yuki no sekinoto"
	[Common name: "Sekinoto"]

"Makusoto no hikkomi" is the dramatic technique in which after the curtain on the Hombutai (main stage) has been pulled and is closed, the actor remains on the Hanamichi (raised passageway), continues acting, and then withdraws. This is different from a Makugire (end of act) on Hombutai in which the curtain closes quickly. Makusoto no hikkomi is a type of Makugire that leaves a tasteful impression of the actor who is gradually exiting along the Hanamichi.
The photograph shows the Makusoto no hikkomi by Kumagai Naozane in the 'Kumagai jinya' scene of "Ichinotani futaba gunki." Kumagai sacrificed his son in the battle, has vowed to become a priest and is departing from the battlefield. After the Joshiki-maku (standard form of curtain) has closed except for the part in front of the Kuromisu (black bamboo curtain hiding the Geza), Kumagai starts to walk to the sound of the Aikata [shamisen accompaniment] called "Urei sanju." Then he begins to run away on Hanamichi to the sound of Narimono (music) expressing the battle situation called "To-yose." These dramatic techniques give the audience the strong feeling that Kumagai truly comprehends the vanity of battle.

> "Kanjincho" Tobiroppo by Benkei

> "Meiboku sendaihagi"
	Nikki Danjo in commonly called 'Yukashita' scene

> "Shibaraku"

> "Keisei hangonko"