stage direction

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See synonyms for: stage directions on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

the art or technique of a stage director.

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Origin of stage direction

First recorded in 1780–90

Words nearby stage direction

stage brace, stage business, stagecoach, stagecraft, staged, stage direction, stage director, stage-dive, stage door, stage-door Johnny, stage-driver

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use stage direction in a sentence

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."
Movie written by algorithm turns out to be hilarious and intense|Annalee Newitz|May 30, 2021|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.”
John Lahr’s Biography Perfectly Captures Tennessee Williams’ Tortured Greatness|Wendy Smith|September 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Krasinski: The stage direction was, “He is horrible at singing.”
Matt Damon and John Krasinski Talk About Their Bromance, ‘Promised Land,’ and More|Kevin Fallon|December 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“In the stage direction, they almost have sex on stage … there was a lot more fondling,” Friedlich says.
Max Friedlich, Teenage Playwright, Dazzles With Controversial ‘SleepOver’|Ramin Setoodeh|August 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST

But his hopes were dashed when Alan replied that he was referring to the final stage direction (Exeunt, bearing off the bodies).
Alan Turing’s Brother: He Should Be Alive Today|John Ferrier Turing|June 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
While they are working themselves up to it, Manrico appears, as the stage-direction says, "like a phantom."
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 103, October 29, 1892|Various
In all the copies Holy maidens is made, absurdly enough, part of the stage direction.
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 10 (of 15)|Various
Here is one of those rare and tremendous moments of which one may say that there is a stage direction, “Enter Shakespeare.”
Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens|G. K. Chesterton
It takes, therefore, practical stage direction to realize all the possibilities of stage atmosphere in a practical way.
The Art of Stage Dancing|Ned Wayburn
For purposes of indicating the pantomimic action of the play, the dramatist resorts to stage-business and stage-direction.
Contemporary One-Act Plays|Sir James M. Barrie

British Dictionary definitions for stage direction

stage direction

noun theatre

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for stage direction

stage direction

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.