The stage directions inform the audience of who is on stage and how the stage is set up. It also describes the action taking place on stage. Stage directions are helpful when a play is being read because it helps the reader to better envision what is occurring on stage.

Whether they establish a production’s overall tone or elucidate particular actions of characters, stage directions help tell the complete story that is in the playwright’s mind. Stage directions accomplish all of this, using a simple convention that structurally separates them from the actual story.

The definition of a stage direction is an instruction written in the script of a play that gives direction to the actors or information about the scenery. When the author of a play leaves a note in a script telling the actor to read a line with a sarcastic undertone, this note is an example of a stage direction.

Type speaker names in FULL CAPITAL letters, flush to the left margin (not centered). After the speaker name, type a tab and then begin the dialogue on the same line. Type stage directions in italics. Speaker names within stage directions should be typed in SMALL CAPS (not italic).

Stage directions are instructions in a play for technical aspects of the production like lighting, sound, costume, scenery or props and most importantly, the movement of actors onstage.

The stage serves as a space for actors or performers and a focal point (the screen in cinema theaters) for the audience. As an architectural feature, the stage may consist of a platform (often raised) or series of platforms.

Some tips on how to be natural on stage:

1. Start observing yourself. Are you speaking at the audience, or are you inviting them in as you speak.
2. Practice by telling your story to a friend.
3. Speak from the heart with positive energy.
4. Watch successful speakers like Bill Clinton.

: on or onto a stage : on a part of the stage visible to the audience.

An actor who turns to his or her right is moving stage right, while an actor who turns to his or her left is moving stage left. The front of the stage, called downstage, is the end closest to the audience. The rear of the stage, called upstage, is behind the actor’s back, furthest from the audience.

When a performer is standing in the middle of the stage, their position is referred to as centre stage. As the performer looks out to the audience, the area on their right-hand side is called stage right and the area on the left is called stage left.

transitive verb. 1 : to draw attention away from upstaging the competition. 2 : to force (an actor) to face away from the audience by staying upstage. 3 : to treat snobbishly.