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Stage Directions for Upstage

When setting up a scene for a play, musical production or other theatrical event, the director or performers block the movement of a scene or segment. Each portion of the stage is divided into 15 different sections. The upstage section includes the back portion of the stage, the center stage makes up the middle section, and downstage is the part of the stage closest to the audience. Each major section is subdivided into five separate divisions. With various terminology, the director assists the performer into moving around each section to avoid confusion when blocking or setting up the performance.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn five different sections of upstage. When facing the stage, upstage right is the farthest section to the left. Upstage right center is on the right of upstage right, and upstage center is in the middle back of the stage. Upstage left center is located to the right of upstage center, with upstage left next to upstage left center. Upstage left center and upstage left make up the right two sections of upstage when facing the back of the stage.

    • 2

      Practice moving around the stage. Moving too far forward of the stage puts you in the center stage area. Get comfortable with different sections of upstage. Internally count the steps it takes to go from one section of the stage to another.

    • 3

      Practice blocking movements and understand the different body positions. As the body moves, each position has a specific term. An "open body" faces the audience in a fully frontal position. A "closed body" faces away from the audience towards upstage. A "cross" means to move from one part of the stage to another. The term "cover" is used when one actor stands in front of another. "Sharing" means that two actors are equally facing the audience.

    • 4

      Avoid "upstaging" another actor. Upstaging occurs when one actor moves towards the upstage area and faces the audience. This forces the other actor to turn his body away from the audience and face the actor. Upstaging is considered bad form and should be avoided at all costs unless directed otherwise.

Stage Acting

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