006 – Stage Directions
Using correct terminology on stage helps keep everyone on the same page.
Written by Scott Adamson
There's one simple thing I'd like to cover in this post — stage directions. Since every show has a different stage setup, when we're building the stage we need to talk about where things like drum risers or keyboards or lights or guitar players go.
I've met plenty of people on shows who resort to the old "put it over there, like, in the back of the stage", accompanied by pointing. Now, this may get them by on some stages, but it's hard to take them seriously when they can't communicate with basic stage terms. It's just way easier if everyone's on the same page and speaking the same language. So, let's just run over the four fundamental directions:
Stage Left — If you're on stage facing the audience, this is on your left:
Stage Right — If you're on stage facing the audience, this is on your right:
Up Stage — If you're on stage facing the audience, Up is behind you.
Get real-world live sound mixing tips straight to your inbox.
Down Stage — If you're on stage facing the audience, Down is in front of you.
You can also combine these terms, such as “Down Stage Center”, or “Up Stage Left”. This really helps everyone keep a clear picture of the stage setup.
Like I said, you might get by with just pointing, but I think it's better to know the terms that professionals use.
