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The use of industry terminology can be confusing to the newcomer. So here is a list of terms for stage positions. It is useful to know the terms and abbreviations as they are used on flight cases and stage plots so you will know where to put that flight case marked “dsl”. They mostly come from the theatre world but are also used in rock’n’roll
Upstage and downstage.
Traditionally stages were built with a rake (slope) with the part of the stage furthest away from the audience, (upstage) higher than the bit closest to them (downstage)
Stage left and stage right
These terms refer to the performer’s perspective as they are facing the audience. Standing on the stage and facing the audience the area on your left would be ‘stage left’. Obviously, following form, the area to your right would be ‘stage right’.
The converse is house left and house right, taken from the viewpoint of someone in the audience facing the stage. This is however used less frequently.
Front of house
In rock’n’roll generally refers to the sound and light control positions.
Backstage
The area behind the stage, dressing rooms etc.
Common abbreviations;
SL, stage left
SR, stage right
USL, upstage left
USR, upstage right
DSL, downstage left
DSR, downstage right
CS or C, stage centre
BS, backstage
BSL, backstage left
BSR, backstage right
FOH, front of house
PS, prompt side, same as stage left but refers to usual location of prompter in theatre
OP. opposite prompt, stage right
BS, bastard side or bastard prompt, stage right refers to theatres that have the prompt on the “wrong” side
OB, opposite bastard, stage left
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