Drama Theory Terms

• Upstage


  The back part of the stage
• Downstage


  The closest part of the stage to the audience
• Center stage


  The middle part of the stage, between upstage and downstage
• Stage right


  The right side of the stage from the actor's perspective
• Stage left


  The left side of the stage from the actor's perspective
• Upstage right


  The back right part of the stage
• Upstage left


  The back left part of the stage
• Downstage right


  The front right part of the stage
• Downstage left


  The front left part of the stage
• Proscenium arch


  • The most common type of theatre configuration in the UK, with a frame around the stage
• Theatre in the round


  • The audience is seated all around the stage
• Traverse


  • The audience is seated on both sides of the stage, like a catwalk
• Thrust stage


  • The audience is seated on three sides of the stage, with the stage projecting into the audience
• Promenade theatre


  • The audience stands and moves around the performance space
• End-on


  • The audience is seated on one side, facing the performers on the other side
• Playwright


  The person who writes a play
• Performer


  Anyone who realizes a role on stage, such as an actor, dancer, or circus performer