- Stage left refers to the actor's or object's position on the left side of the stage when facing the audience.
- Stage right refers to the actor's or object's position on the right side of the stage when facing the audience.
The terms "left" and "right" are used in relation to the actor's or object's position relative to the center line of the stage. The center line divides the stage into two equal halves, with stage left being the left half and stage right being the right half.
The terms "stage left" and "stage right" are commonly used in stage directions to indicate the movement or positioning of actors or objects on the stage. For example, a stage direction might say "Actor A moves stage left and sits on the bench." This means that Actor A moves to the left side of the stage and sits on a bench that is positioned on that side.
The terms "stage left" and "stage right" are also sometimes used to refer to the areas offstage to the left and right of the stage. For example, actors or props that are not currently on stage might be kept in the "stage left" or "stage right" areas until needed.
These terms help actors and directors communicate and visualize the blocking and movement of performers and objects on stage, contributing to the overall staging of a theatrical production.