Parts of the Stage
The part of the stage closest to the AUDIENCE
What is....DOWNSTAGE
This type of stage resembles the way concerts are set up
What is....arena stage or in-the-round
The symbol for crossing to a new location onstage
What is... X
The invisible divider between the audience and the actors
What is...the fourth wall
The shorthand notation for upstage right
USR
The part of the stage furthest away from the audience
What is....upstage
This is not a particular stage type, but it is a type of theatre space that is characterized by it's uniform all-black look and ability to create a more intimate and adaptable setting.
What is...a blackbox theatre
The shorthand notation for downstage center
DSC
The area where the audience sits
The shorthand notation for enter
ENT
The line that separates the apron from the stage
What is...the proscenium line
This type of stage has audience members on three different sides of the stage
What is...a thrust stage
The symbol for sitting down
↓
The area above the stage
What is...the flyspace/catwalk
The shorthand notation for exit
The extension of the stage often shaped like a half-circle
What is...the apron
This type of stage is what most audiences are used to. It's the traditional set-up that you would see at most theaters that you go to.
What is...a proscenium stage
The symbol you use to note that you move TO/TOWARD someone
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The areas offstage left and right sometimes separated by curtains
What is...the wings
The shorthand notation for stage right
SR
The area behind the stage that actors use to move from one side to the other
What is....backstage crossover
This type of stage most resembles a fashion show runway
What is...a traverse stage
The symbol for standing up
↑
The white screen or wall behind the stage that can be lit during a performance
What is...the cyc
The blocking notation for "cross downstage left to Ms. Wilton"
X DSL --> Ms. Wilton