Understanding Stage Directions: Left, Right, Upstage, and Downstage in Theatre

In the world of theatre and production, specific terminology is used to describe the layout and positioning of actors and relevant elements on the stage. Key terms such as stage left, stage right, upstage, and downstage are essential for effective communication during rehearsals and performances. Let's explore the origin and practical use of these terms in theatre.

What Are Stage Left, Stage Right, Upstage, and Downstage?

These terms are fundamental in theatre and denote specific areas on the stage from the actors' perspective when facing the audience:

Stage Left: The left side of the stage from the actors' point of view. Stage Right: The right side of the stage from the actors' point of view. Upstage: The area of the stage that is farthest from the audience, typically representing the back part of the stage. Downstage: The area of the stage that is closest to the audience, usually the front part of the stage.

Origin of the Terms

The use of these terms dates back to the early days of theatre and is rooted in the physical layout of the stage. Traditionally, actors stood on a raised platform, with their perspective aligned with how the audience would see them. Stage left and stage right were thus defined based on the actors' perception.

Practical Use

These directional terms are crucial for actors, directors, and crew to communicate effectively about positioning and movement during rehearsals and performances. For example, if a director says “Move to upstage left,” everyone understands that the actors should move to the back left corner of the stage.

This standardization of terms ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding staging and blocking. For instance, the director might instruct, “We need a sign at stage right.” This means that a sign should be placed on the right-hand side of the stage from the actors' perspective.

Example of a Theatre Scene in Rehearsal

Take a look at this picture of a play in rehearsal:
Image source: Penn State News on Flickr

There are three people to consider in this picture:

The director, sitting just in front of the stage. Two actors on stage, facing each other.

Let's say the director wants them to move to different parts of the stage. If the director says, “Move to the left,” from the director's perspective, they mean everyone moves to the left side of the picture. Stage left for the woman on stage means she moves to the back of the stage, while stage left for the man means he gets closer to the audience.

Consistency and Clarity

Using these terms ensures clarity and consistency across different stages and productions. For every actor, no matter which way they are facing, up down left and right mean the same thing:

Stage left is to the left of the actor from their point of view. Stage right is to the right of the actor from their point of view. Downstage is in front of the actor. Upstage is behind the actor.

These directions are often combined to give specific locations, such as downstage left or upstage right. For example, if an actor is standing dead centre on the stage and facing the audience, placing a sign in the wings to the left of the stage means it will be stage left for the actor. Even when the actor turns around, the sign remains stage left regardless of the new direction.

This system eliminates confusion and ensures that everyone on the stage is on the same page, whether it's a playwright indicating a specific location in a script, a set designer deciding on the location of a doorway, or a director choosing a location for an actor. Everyone can rely on these fixed locations, which never change, no matter which stage they are on or which world they are in.

Understanding these terms is crucial for the smooth operation of a production. They provide a universal language for positioning and movement, ensuring that all members of the production team are aligned and working efficiently towards a cohesive performance.