Meaning & use
stage directions
Last updated
Meanings
nounusually plural
Instructions in a play script telling actors how to move, speak or behave, or describing the scene.
Grammar: Usually plural: the stage directions are in italics.
Patterns
- follow the stage directions
- stage directions for something
The stage directions say that she exits through the window.
He read the stage directions aloud to the cast.
nounusually pluralspecialist
Short notes in a script about sound, lighting or setting.
Grammar: Often found beside the dialogue: lighting cues appear in the stage directions.
Patterns
- stage directions about something
The stage directions describe a dim living room.
Her notes cover every cue in the stage directions.
Word forms
| singular | stage direction |
|---|
Common combinations
- follow the stage directions
- Actors must follow the stage directions.
- written in the stage directions
- The storm is written in the stage directions.
- detailed stage directions
- The playwright gave detailed stage directions.
- ignore stage directions
- The director chose to ignore the stage directions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- blocking
- The planned movements of actors, which a director decides rather than a writer.
- script notes
- A general term, less specific to staging.
Word family
Commonly confused: stage directions or dialogue?
stage directions vs dialogue
Dialogue is the spoken words, while stage directions are not spoken.
Practice
In a play script, which part is not spoken by the actors?
Choose one answer.
Stage directions are instructions for the actors. Dialogue, monologue and soliloquy are all spoken.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “stage directions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.