1. The Stage

2. Types of Stages There are many different types of stages but most common is the proscenium stage. Usually rectangular with one side open to the audience and other sides are backstage areas.

3. The Proscenium Stage

4. The Stage area is divided up into nine areas.

5. Stage Directions

6. The area farthest from the audience is upstage. The area closest to the audience is downstage.

7. The terms right and left refer to the actors’ right and left, not the audience’s

8. When the actors are not on-stage, they are back stage This is the area behind the curtain or set, where the audience can’t see.

9. The wings are the areas to the left and right of the stage where the actors wait to come onstage.

10. The building where the play is performed is the theatre or auditorium.

11. The part of the auditorium where the audience gathers is the house.

12. The narrow area between the audience and the stage is called the pit. In a musical this is the orchestra pit.