stage directions

Meaning

'Stage directions' are the written instructions in a play script or screenplay that guide the actors' movements, emotional states, and technical cues like lighting and sound. They are typically written in parentheses or italics and are not spoken aloud. They help the cast and crew visualize how the scene should look and feel.

Examples

• The stage directions indicate that the character should enter from stage left looking nervous.

  The stage directions indicate that the character should enter from stage left looking nervous.

• Always read the stage directions carefully to understand the subtext of the scene.

  Always read the stage directions carefully to understand the subtext of the scene.

• The playwright included very detailed stage directions about the lighting and sound effects.

  The playwright included very detailed stage directions about the lighting and sound effects.

• According to the stage directions, she is supposed to slam the door as she exits.

  According to the stage directions, she is supposed to slam the door as she exits.

• In modern scripts, stage directions are often kept brief to give the director more creative freedom.

  In modern scripts, stage directions are often kept brief to give the director more creative freedom.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The actor read the stage directions aloud during the performance.

  ✓ The actor followed the stage directions during the performance.

  Stage directions are instructions to be acted out or set up, not lines to be spoken by the characters on stage.

• ✗ The director gave me some stage directions during the lunch break.

  ✓ The director gave me some directions during the lunch break.

  'Stage directions' specifically refers to the written text in a script. Verbal instructions given by a director are simply called 'directions' or 'notes'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The script's ___ say that the room should be dimly lit.

  💡 The written instructions in a script.

  Show answer

  stage directions

• If you ignore the ___, you might stand in the wrong place during the scene.

  💡 Text guiding actor movement and actions.

  Show answer

  stage directions