What does Upstage/Downstage mean?
Upstage/Downstage refers to stage directions in theater that indicate movement or positioning on the stage. “Upstage” refers to the area of the stage farthest from the audience, while “Downstage” is the area closest to the audience. These terms are important for blocking, choreography, and directing, helping performers understand where they should be positioned. Related terms include Stage Left and Stage Right, which refer to the sides of the stage from the actor’s perspective.
Example:The director instructs the actor to move downstage to deliver an important monologue, bringing them closer to the audience.
Example: The choreographer adjusts the dancers’ positioning, moving them upstage to make room for the main performers downstage.
Did You Know?
The terms “upstage” and “downstage” come from early theaters, where the stage was slanted, or “raked,” making the back of the stage higher than the front!
