Stage left, stage right, upstage, and downstage are essential terms in understanding stage directions. The terms “stage left” and “stage right” refer to the actor’s left and right when they are facing the audience. “Upstage” and “downstage” refer to the depth of the stage, with upstage being the back and downstage being the front.
Which Side Is Stage Left?
Let’s clear up this common confusion once and for all:
Terminology
- Stage right: The actor’s right-hand side when facing the audience.
- Stage left: The actor’s left-hand side when facing the audience.
- Upstage: Away from the audience.
- Downstage: Towards the audience.
- Center stage: The middle point of the stage.
Stage Layout
- Curtain: The fabric covering that separates the stage from the audience.
- Proscenium arch: The frame that surrounds the stage opening.
- Wings: The areas on either side of the stage used for scenery and entrances/exits.
Determining Stage Left and Right
There are several ways to determine which side of the stage is left:
- House left and right: These terms refer to the audience’s perspective. House left is on the audience’s left, and house right is on the audience’s right.
- Actor’s perspective: When an actor is facing the audience, stage left will be to their left, and stage right will be to their right.
- Curtain vantage point: Imagine you are standing behind the curtain, facing the audience. Stage left will be on your left, and stage right will be on your right.
- Proscenium arch view: If you are looking through the proscenium arch towards the stage, stage left will be on your left, and stage right will be on your right.
Handy Table for Reference
| Your Position | House Left | House Right |
|---|---|---|
| Behind the curtain | Stage left | Stage right |
| Standing on stage, facing audience | Stage left | Stage right |
| Sitting in the audience | House right | House left |
Additional Notes
- Stage left and right are not interchangeable with upstage and downstage. Upstage is away from the audience, while downstage is towards the audience.
- The terms “stage left” and “stage right” can also be used in film and television production. However, in these mediums, “camera left” and “camera right” are more commonly used.
Question 1: How do you determine which side is stage left?
Answer: Stage left is the actor’s left when facing the audience. This is because theaters are traditionally designed with the audience facing the stage, and the actors enter and exit from the wings on either side of the stage.
Question 2: What is the difference between stage left and audience left?
Answer: Stage left is the actor’s left when facing the audience, while audience left is the audience’s left when facing the stage. This can be confusing, as the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to remember that stage left is always relative to the actor’s perspective, while audience left is relative to the audience’s perspective.
Question 3: Why is stage left called “left”?
Answer: The term “left” in stage left refers to the actor’s left hand. This is because actors traditionally enter and exit from the left side of the stage, and their left hand would be facing the audience.
Well, there you have it, folks! Next time you’re at the theater or watching a performance, you’ll never have to wonder “Which side is stage left” again. Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back for more theater trivia, tips, and insights. Until next time, keep your eyes on the stage and your head in the clouds!