DOWNSTAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Downstage is a term used in theater and dance to refer to the area of the stage that is closest to the audience. It is the front area on the stage that is located towards the edge closest to the audience. The term "downstage" originated from the early days of theater when stages were built on an incline, sloping towards the audience. The actor standing in this section would be physically positioned lower than those standing further back on the stage. Nowadays, the term is used to describe the front portion of the stage irrespective of any physical slope.
The term "downstage" serves as a directional guide for actors and choreographers, informing them to focus their movements or performances towards the audience. This area is often considered the most visible part of the stage, and therefore, is frequently used for significant or impactful moments. Due to its proximity to the audience, actors performing downstage can establish a strong connection and engage spectators in a more direct and intimate manner.
In theatrical productions, downstage is commonly associated with important actions, soliloquies, or moments of intense emotional expression. It is also strategically utilized for engaging in direct interaction with the audience, as well as for building tension or creating a sense of intimacy in a scene. The opposite of downstage is "upstage," referring to the area away from the audience, towards the back of the stage.
Common Misspellings for DOWNSTAGE
Etymology of DOWNSTAGE
The word downstage comes from the theatrical world and has its origins in Elizabethan England. The term was used to refer to the part of the stage closest to the audience. The word itself is a combination of the Middle English word down and the Middle English word stage, which meant a raised floor or platform.
Similar spelling words for DOWNSTAGE
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