stage direction

American  

noun

1. an instruction written into the script of a play, indicating stage actions, movements of performers, or production requirements.

2. the art or technique of a stage director.

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stage direction British  

noun

1. an instruction to an actor or director, written into the script of a play

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stage direction Cultural  

1. Part of the script of a play that tells the actors how they are to move or to speak their lines. Enter, exit, and exeunt are stage directions.

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Etymology

Origin of stage direction

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The use of stage direction as couples therapy is one of the more poignant sequences in a film that tends to dance along the line separating the farcical from the bittersweet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

But the prop had long since slipped coach Steve Borthwick a stage direction to fill the vacancy he left behind.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2024

The agency on Wednesday recognized the global importance of the 400-year-old art form that combines music, costume and stage direction.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

Watching it, Ropiequet thought, “Oh, no, this is just going to keep going, isn’t it? And yes, she was reading every single line of stage direction and then the other roles’ lines obviously as well.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2022

When Bobby looks at the script, he notes a scene in which the stage direction says, Justin is electric in this scene.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove