Stage Directions
This stage direction means moving toward the audience
downstage
This person is in charge of the overall artistic vision of the production
director
This designer controls visibility, mood, and focus using light
lighting designer
This is the main seating area closest to the stage
orchestra
Where actors wait when they are not on stage
green room
If an actor is standing closest to the audience on the actor's left side, they are here.
downstage left
This person keeps track of the blocking, cues, and schedule rehearsals
stage manager
This designer creates all audio effects and manages microphones and music
sound designer
This seating area is located above the orchestra and below the balcony
mezzanine
Large fabric or painted scenery that hangs at the back of the stage
backdrop
This stage direction refers to the area farthest from the audience
upstage
This person assists the director and may run rehearsals or take notes
assistant director
This designer is responsible for the physical environment of the stage
set designer
These private seating areas are located on the sides of the theatre
box seats
Green room is traditionally painted green for this reason
to calm the actors
An actor exists toward the back of the stage on their right side
upstage right
This designer creates the clothing and overall look of the characters
costume designer
This technical system allows scenery to be raised and lowered above the stage
fly system
This area separates the audience from the stage and is often framed
proscenium arch
This term describes all the areas of a theatre not visible to the audience
backstage
This direction is determined from the actor's point of view, not the audience's
left and right
This production role collaborates with all to ensure the show runs smoothly during performances
stage manager
This horizontal pipe used to hang lights or scenery is part of the fly system
batten
This lowered area between the stage and the audience holds musicians
orchestra pit
This speech reveals a character's inner thoughts and is usually delivered alone onstage
Soliloquy