Divisions of a stage

CO: I will identify the different parts of the performance space.

LO: I will correctly label the 9 basic divisions of a proscenium stage.

The proscenium stage floor is divided into imaginary blocks called acting areas, in which the director can move people or place furniture adn scenery. Small proscenium stages are usually divided into nine acting areas and large stages into fifteen.

Dividing the stage helps the director to block the play and provides a guide, or road map, for the actors and technicians.

upstage = farthest from audience

downstage= closest to audience

right and left= the actors right and left as he or she faces the audience.

Directors use a set of standard terms to guide the actors on the stage. On the proscenium stage, teh directions downstage adn upstage date back to the days when stages were built with the rear of the stage slanting upward away from the audience. Downstage was the area closest to the audience, and upstage was away from the audience.

Although all stage floors no longer slant, the names for these areas have remained. Other directions, such as stage right, center, and stage left are always given as if the actor were standing on the stage, facing the audience. When you are onstage, stage right and stage left will always be your right and left as you face the audience.