Updated: Oct 16, 2023
Understanding and using the correct terminology when building a stage plot is critical. This short guide provides common terms and terminology used for a stage setup. Most people have heard of stage right, and stage left, but there are a few more commonly used terms which are important to understand. Stage positioning terminology can be a little confusing, and we're here to set you straight.
Stage positioning terminology is more applicable on most stage and production types s. i.e. theater vs concert productions. For example, you wouldn't use the term "Down Stage Right" for a stage in-the-round.
Below, you will see the stage positions and descriptions most commonly used on any stage plot.
The Bottom Line- if you plan on using industry terminology on your stage plot, be sure to use it correctly. Otherwise, FOH, could end up on the stage and drummer could end up where the guitarist should be. :-)
Center Stage- When a performer is standing in the middle of the stage, their position is referred to as center stage. The common abbreviation on a stage plot for Center Stage is simply, "C" or "CS".
Stage Right/Stage Left- As the performer looks out to the audience, the area on their right-hand side is called stage right and the area on the left is called stage left. The common abbreviation on a stage plot for Stage Right/Stage Left is "SR", "SL".
Downstage/Upstage- If a performer walks towards the front of the stage, approaching the audience, this area is referred to as downstage, and the opposite area of the stage further away from the audience is called upstage. The common abbreviations on a stage plot for Downstage/Upstage are "DS", "US".
The four corners of the stage space combine both the right and the left with downstage and upstage, creating:
Downstage Right or (DSR)
Downstage Left or (DSL)
Upstage Right or (USR)
Upstage Left or (USL)
House Position- This term refers to the point of view from the audience.
House Left, and House Right are commonly used for audience positioning.
Check out the diagram below.
Here is a diagram of the stage positioning and terms
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