Stage Terms - Intro to Musical Theater

Stage Right

If you are on stage facing the audience, it's your right

Stage Left

If you are on stage facing the audience, it is your left

Upstage

The back of the stage

Downstage

The front of the stage

Leg

Black drapes that frame the sides of the stage

Wing

The space between legs to the sides of the stage

Flies

A system of ropes, pulleys, counterweights and related devices within a theater that enables a stage crew to fly (hoist) curtains, lights, scenery, and stage effects

Backdrop

Usually a painted scene at the back of the stage

Grand Act

The big curtains at the very front of the stage

Blocking

Where and how the director wants you to move on stage as you say your lines/sing

Articulation/diction

Clear, crisp speech

Cue

What comes before your movement or line

House

Where the audience sits

Backstage

The space on either side of and behind the stage

Dressing Room

Space where costumes are stored and actors change

Prop

Object used in a performance by a specific actor

Project

Raising your tone by using your chest to “throw” your voice