STAGE DIRECTIONS& PARTS OF THE STAGE

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Without STAGE DIRECTIONS, things could get really confusing.

Move a little to the left.

Does he mean MY left or HIS left?

To simplify things, we use STAGE DIRECTIONS

Pg 23…Write Stage Right on top and Definition under tab

STAGERIGHT

The side of the stage to the

ACTOR’S RIGHT when he/she is

facing the audience.

AUDIENCE

Pg 23…Write Stage Left on top and Definition under tab

STAGERIGHT

STAGELEFT

The side of the stage to the

ACTOR’S LEFT when he/she is

facing the audience.

AUDIENCE

Stages used to be built on a slope, with the back of the stage higher than the front of the stage. This allowed the

audience a better view of the action.

AUDIENCE

SIDE VIEW OF STAGE

SIDE VIEW OF STAGE

This is where we get the terms UPSTAGE and DOWNSTAGE

Pg 23…Write Upstage on top and Definition under tab

UP STAGE

Area of the stage farthest away from the audience.

AUDIENCE

Pg 23…Write Downstage on top and Definition under tab

DOWN STAGE

Area of the stage closest to the audience

AUDIENCE

CENTERSTAGE

STAGERIGHT

STAGELEFT

UP STAGE

CENTER STAGE

DOWN STAGE

The stage can be broken up into 9 areas.

Pg 22. Fill in grid

AUDIENCE

PARTS OF THE STAGE

Pg 22 Draw this on Stage. Write Definition1). Back wall -

BACK WALL– Wall opposite the proscenium opening.

AUDIENCE

Pg 22 Draw this on Stage. Write Definition2). Apron-

APRON

APRON – narrow acting area between the front edge of the stage and the front curtain.

Usually 5-15 feet in front of the proscenium.

AUDIENCE

STAGE APRON

WINGS – backstage areas on the left and right of a

proscenium stage.

AUDIENCE

STA

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STA

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Pg 22 Draw this by the Stage. Write Definition3). Wings-

A VIEW FROM STAGE LEFT WINGS

ORCHESTRA PITThe area in a theater (usually located in a

lowered area in front of the stage) in which musicians perform.

Pg 22 Draw this by Stage. Write Definition4). Orchestra Pit -

5. TRAP DOOR– an opening in the stage

floor.

6. TRAP ROOM- a large open space under the stage of many large

theatres. • Usually unfinished• Often doubles as storage

area• Can act as a cross over (to

get from one side of the stage to the other.)

HOUSE

Any area of the theatre that isn’t the stage or backstage. Includes where the

audience is seated, the lobby, aisles, control booth, coat check, ticketing counters,

and restrooms

FLY LOFT

Area directly above the

stage. Allows scenery to be raised out of

sight.

GRID IRON (or GRID)

Framework of beams above

the stage; supports

riggings for flying scenery.

BATTENLong pipes from which curtains,

lights or flats are hung.

Sight lines

• Area of the stage the audience can see

Cat Walks

• Area above the house and stage where technicians can walk.

Booth

• Where light and sounds technicians sit and operate.

Green Room

• Room where the actors sit and wait

Scene Shop

• Where all the sets and props are made