Stage Directions
the middle of the stage
centerstage
abbreviation for centerstage
C or CS
the extension of the stage (usually round, but ours is a rectangle)
apron
when the actor is facing the audience
full front
when the actor moves from one stage direction to another is known as
cross
the area that is down towards the audience
downstage
abbreviation for stage left
SL or L
the waiting area for actors right before they are going to enter on the stage
wings
when the actor's back is to the audience
full back
when two actors are talking in profile
share the scene
the area that is up and away from the audience
upstage
abbreviation for downstage left
the picture frame; tells the audience where to focus
proscenium arc
when you see the side of the actor
profile left or profile right
when two or more actors cross each other (in front, at a diagonal)
countercross
these two stage directions are determined from the actor's point of view looking at the audience
left and right
abbreviation for upstage right
USR or UR
where the audience sits
house
when the actor slightly turns left or right from full front
1/4th left or right
when one actor's back is completely to the audience and the other actor is facing full front
taking myself out of the scene
centerstage
downstage
upstage
stage left
stage right
upstage left/right
downstage left/right
abbreviation for stage right
SR or R
the area where sets, costumes are stored
3/4 left/right
when one actor is all the way upstage and the other actor's back is almost completely to the audience
turning the scene in