Stage directions and terminology

Stage blocking: This is a term used when a theatre director directs an actor’s movement and positioning on the stage. In most plays the stage directions have been written in the scripts to help the actors with their movement on the stage when acting.

Sightlines: This is a line of sight between the audience and the stage; a good sightline will help the audience see the whole stage.

Stage directions: This is a similar term to stage blocking as the actors receive directions from the director; this involves the physical movement of the actors on stage. The actors are supposed to note the directions in their script.

Upstage: This is used for the actors based at the back of the stage to keep them organised.

Downstage: This is used for the actors, who are based in the front of the stage, this is important as the audience has a great view of the actors.

Stage right & stage left: This is simply actors based on the left and right halves of the stage.

Overall these terms help directors and actors to organise themselves on stage, this is crucial as without these terms actors could get confused on stage and that could effect the production. These terms also benefit the audience as the actors are based all around the stage so the audience have a good view of the play. It is important for actors to learn these terms to help them feel comfortable on stage and to know where to be at what point