The STAGE!

Directions and/or movement definitions

Stage Left – the actor’s left facing the audience
Stage Right – the actor’s right while facing the audience)
Upstage – towards the back wall (away from the audience)
Downstage – towards the audience
Above – towards the ceiling
Below – towards the floor or under
Diagonal – moving diagonally upstage or downstage

When entering from Stage left, your right (upstage) foot should be first on to the
stage.

When entering from the Stage right, your left (upstage) foot should be first on to
the stage.

Blocking – the process of creating the movement and action in a show (who goes
where, when, and does what)

Cheat out – keep your face pointed towards the audience even if you are
speaking to someone next to you or upstage of you.

Underscoring – (music played underneath dialogue)

Principle (also Lead) – an actor with solo speaking lines