The Basics:
Each of the labeled directions represents a part of the stage. The area closest to the audience at the front of the stage is called downstage. The area farthest from the audience is upstage. These terms originate from historical stages that were raked. The front of the stage was literally lower or father down than the back, so that the audience could see all parts of the stage even without tiered seating.

The terms stage right and left refer to the actor's right and left when on stage. If you sitting with a director who called out "Stage Left, please", you would see the actor move to your right.

The movie below demonstrates the stage directions:

This photo is provided with permission by Trinity. It is a picture from David Mamet's The Cryptogram.

Activity One:
In groups of three or four, you read the movement handout. They develop a short action sequence (with lines). One person in the group directs the action and the others are characters. Each group uses the checklist on the handout to check all the movements they have created. The groups present to the class.

Activity Two:
Instructions for this assignment are found in the Movement Handout. You work in groups of two to five and create a brief dance to music. Evaluation is based primarily on variety of movements, use of time and how you work together.

Evaluation: Informal evaluation of presentation in class. Formal evaluation of the dance projects, in pdf.

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