Understanding the (Mapping) Stage Terms in Theatre

Theatre has terms just like other fields of study. The stage terms are always the best to start with. Here is a list of stage terms:

• Upstage-is the area moving away from the audience; if you were on stage you would move towards the back of the stage.
• Downstage-is the area moving towards the audience; if you were on stage you would move towards the front of the stage closer to the audience.
• Stage right- takes you to the audience's left but is your right when standing on stage. (Imagine standing face to face with someone, when you move left you are walking to their right and when you move right you are moving to their left. On stage you are moving to your right.)
• Stage Left- takes you to the audience's right but is your left when standing on stage facing the audience. (Imagine standing face to face with someone, when you move left you are walking to their right. If you move right you are walking to their left. On stage you are moving to your left.)
• Center- move to the center of the stage.
• Full Front- The front part of your body is facing the audience.
• Full Back- The front part of your body is facing the back of the stage.
• Cross- when you move from place to place on the stage.
• Blocking- When all actors move on stage as directed in rehearsal then carried out in the live performance.

For more information on Theatre terms visit: www.district 196.org