Stage Directions Explained

Here's a handy diagram which explains stage directions used in theatre.

Stage directions are always from the performer's point of view when facing the audience. For example, if an actor is exiting "Stage Left" or "SL", the actor would be leaving via the left side of the stage when facing the audience. If the actor was moving "Down Stage", the actor would be moving toward the audience. Note: In film and TV, the directions are reversed and from the camera's point of view as if it was positioned in the audience, facing the stage. For example, "Camera Left" would refer to the same area as "Stage Right".

"Up Stage" or "US" refers to the rear of the stage, while "Down Stage" or "DS" is toward the audience. Fun Fact: Stages built before the 1900s were often "raked" or tilted higher at the rear, so this area became known as "up stage".

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