How to Read Stage Directions

Stage directions are instructions in a script that guide actors, directors, and stage crew on how to move, behave, or set up a scene during a performance. Though they often sit alongside the dialogue, they are not spoken in the performance. They focus specifically on actions, movements, and technical aspects of the production rather than what the characters are saying or how they’re feeling. They are a crucial part of mapping out the movement of a show. 

Stage directions can also be verbal instructions given by a director in rehearsal when “blocking” a play (working out where the actors will be positioned on stage in each scene).

They provide cues to help actors understand what they should be doing and how they should interact with the set or other characters, and they range from simple instructions (such as “exit stage left”) to more detailed directions (such as “sits down at the table, looking exhausted”). 

How stage directions differ from non-stage directions

In drama scripts, the dialogue is often accompanied by non-stage directions – narrative notes that offer insight into a character’s inner thoughts, emotional state, or background. These differ from stage directions in that they don’t necessarily involve physical movement or positioning. For example, a script might say, “John is clearly angry,” which is more of an interpretive note for the actor, as opposed to “John moves towards the table in a rage,” which is a specific stage direction instructing how and where the character should move.

Stage directions serve as a roadmap for actors, the director, and the crew. They ensure that the performance is consistent and cohesive, particularly in terms of blocking (which will then impact lighting design). For actors, they clarify where they should be at different moments and how their actions fit into the overall rhythm of the play.

For directors, stage directions provide a foundation for blocking scenes. While a director may have creative freedom to modify some directions, they typically rely on these cues to ensure that the actors' movements make sense in the context of the scene and story. For stage crew, these directions are equally vital as they outline the technical elements, such as lighting changes, sound effects, or set adjustments.

Before diving into examples, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with basic stage positions. Traditional stage directions are based on the actor’s perspective while facing the audience, and the terms are as follows:

• Stage right (SR): The actor’s right side when facing the audience.
• Stage left (SL): The actor’s left side when facing the audience.
• Upstage (US): The area of the stage farthest from the audience.
• Downstage (DS): The area of the stage closest to the audience.
• Centre stage (CS): The middle of the stage, equally distant from all sides.

These directions ensure that both the cast and crew understand where a performer needs to be. When learning your blocking or preparing for a scene, these stage positions will help you identify where to move or stand.

Stage directions typically appear in parentheses or italics within the script, usually before or during a scene. They might describe entrances, exits, or specific movements. For example:

(Gertrude enters from stage right, pacing nervously.)

In this example, the actor playing Gertrude knows two things:

1. She needs to enter the stage from the right-hand side.

2. She should be pacing, implying nervous energy.

Here is an example of a page of script from Anton Chekov’s The Seagull:

MASHA. Yes, yes, tomorrow.

She takes snuff. TREPLIEFF and PAULINA come in. TREPLIEFF is carrying some pillows and a blanket, and PAULINA is carrying sheets and pillow cases. They lay them on the divan, and TREPLIEFF goes and sits down at his desk.

MASHA. Who is that for, mother?

PAULINA. Mr. Sorin asked to sleep in Constantine's room to-night.

MASHA. Let me make the bed.

She makes the bed. PAULINA goes up to the desk and looks at the manuscripts lying on it. [A pause.]

MEDVIEDENKO. Well, I am going. Good-bye, Masha. [He kisses his wife's hand] Good-bye, mother. [He tries to kiss his mother-in-law's hand.]

PAULINA. [Crossly] Be off, in God's name!

TREPLIEFF shakes hands with him in silence, and MEDVIEDENKO goes out.

PAULINA. [Looking at the manuscripts] No one ever dreamed, Constantine, that you would one day turn into a real author. The magazines pay you well for your stories. [She strokes his hair.] You have grown handsome, too. Dear, kind Constantine, be a little nicer to my Masha.

MASHA. [Still making the bed] Leave him alone, mother.

PAULINA. She is a sweet child. [A pause] A woman, Constantine, asks only…

You can see in this example that stage directions can vary from personal physical actions such as “she takes snuff” or “she makes the bed,” to actions that involve other characters, such as “TREPLIEFF shakes hands with him” or “he tries to kiss his mother-in-law’s hand.” They also include simple actions such as “MEDVIEDENKO goes out.” Stage directions like these help you visualise the scene and understand how the physical movement of the characters complements their dialogue and emotions.

A stage directions diagram can be incredibly helpful for new performers to quickly grasp where they need to be onstage. All of these positions assume you are facing the audience. Let’s break down the above example:

• Upstage left (USL) – The far-left corner of the stage, away from the audience.
• Upstage centre (USC) – The middle of the stage, farthest from the audience.
• Upstage right (USR) – The far-right corner, away from the audience.
• Centre stage left (CSL) – The left side of the middle section.
• Centre stage (CS) – The centre of the stage, neither upstage nor downstage.
• Centre stage right (CSR) – The right side of the middle section.
• Downstage left (DSL) – The left side, closest to the audience.
• Downstage centre (DSC) – The centre section, closest to the audience.
• Downstage right (DSR) – The right side, closest to the audience.

This diagram acts as a map, guiding the performer on where to stand or move. For visual learners, memorising stage positions can make rehearsals and performances run much smoother.

1. Mark your script: Use a pencil to underline or highlight key stage directions to help remember where you need to be during rehearsals. Add any stage directions the director gives you in rehearsals using the abbreviations above. 

2. Practise blocking early: Blocking refers to your movements and positioning in relation to other actors. Start rehearsing your blocking as soon as possible so that it becomes second nature.

3. Be mindful of the space: Take note of your surroundings and stage position during rehearsals. Always be aware of where the audience is so you can adjust your movements and ensure you're not obstructing anyone else’s performance. Remember, performance is a live event and if you’re part of an ensemble, you have to be responsive to the other actors. Regardless of whether you have upstage left marked in your script and have practised this position in rehearsal, if a fellow actor decides to stand right in front of you, you will need to adjust your position so you remain seen by the audience.  

4. Work with your director: If a stage direction doesn’t feel natural or makes you uncomfortable, speak up. Adjustments can often be made to suit the flow of a scene or to accommodate the needs of the actors.