stage direction

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.

stage direction

noun

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

stage direction

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 exeuntare stage directions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stage direction¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

As the cast gathered around a tiny printer, Benjamin spat out the screenplay, complete with almost impossible stage directions like "He is standing in the stars and sitting on the floor."

From Ars Technica

When he ended Vieux Carré with the stage direction, “The house is empty now,” Lahr somberly terms it “an augury and an epitaph.”

From The Daily Beast

Krasinski: The stage direction was, “He is horrible at singing.”

From The Daily Beast

“In the stage direction, they almost have sex on stage … there was a lot more fondling,” Friedlich says.

From The Daily Beast

But his hopes were dashed when Alan replied that he was referring to the final stage direction (Exeunt, bearing off the bodies).

From The Daily Beast

While they are working themselves up to it, Manrico appears, as the stage-direction says, "like a phantom."

From Project Gutenberg

In all the copies Holy maidens is made, absurdly enough, part of the stage direction.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is one of those rare and tremendous moments of which one may say that there is a stage direction, “Enter Shakespeare.”

From Project Gutenberg

It takes, therefore, practical stage direction to realize all the possibilities of stage atmosphere in a practical way.

From Project Gutenberg

For purposes of indicating the pantomimic action of the play, the dramatist resorts to stage-business and stage-direction.

From Project Gutenberg