A glossary of Stage Terms for students exploring design for Stage and Screen

US

US or Upstage, is that part of the stage furthest away from the audience, the high end of a raked stage

Wings

The Wings are the sides of the stage where performers wait to go on stage, where scenery and props are held for setting on stage the wings are concealed from the view of the audience.

Stage Right

Stage Right or SR, the right hand side of the stage as viewed by the performer when facing the audience also termed Opposite Prompt.

SR

SR or Stage Right, the right hand side of the stage as viewed by the performer when facing the audience also termed Opposite Prompt.

SL

SL or Stage Left, the left hand side of the stage as viewed by the performer when facing the audience also termed Prompt Side.

Stage Weight

Stage Weight is a heavy weight used to secure the bottom of a Stage Brace or French Brace when fixed to and supporting a flat or piece of scenery on the stage

Stock Scenery

Stock Scenery is scenery or scenic elements which can be used time and time again for different productions, items such as backcloths, stock flats, stock rostrums, stock windows, fire places, etc

Strop

Strop, a length of wire, rope used to hang scenery, etc from a fly bar

Tabs

Tabs, are similar to runners, a pair of curtains the full width and height of the stage which overlap at the centre. Front Tabs are the House Tabs or House Curtain. Also referred to as Traverse Tabs

Traverse Tabs

Traverse Tabs, are similar to runners, a pair of curtains the full width and height of the stage which overlap at the centre. Front Tabs are the House Tabs or House Curtain. Also referred to as Tabs