Study Guide for Theatre 1 – Stage Directions
Directing the Action
1. Using the proper stage direction abbreviations, fill in the blanks in the quadrants of the stage:
2. Match the stage directions with their abbreviations:
Cross
Enter
Sit
Rise
Exit
Down Stage
Up Stage
Center Stage
Stage Left
Stage Right
Turn
Character’s Name
Quarter Turn
Profile
Full Back
Three Quarter Turn
SR
½
©
X
¾
En
FB
SL
¼
Xit
DS
US
CS
3. Identify the Strongest Quadrant on the stage to place an actor in a performance: _______
4. Identify the Weakest Quadrant on the stage to place an actor in a performance: _______
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Re-write the following sentences using the abbreviations of stage directions:
5. Sally, enter up stage left. Cross down stage right. Quarter turn down stage left. Sit. Rise. Exit up stage
right.
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Translate the following stage directions into complete sentences:
6. (J) En USR X DSR ¼
X USL ¾
DSL
XCS FB Xit DSR
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Using complete sentences answer the following questions:
7. When is it most appropriate to place an actor in the down stage left quadrant? Why?:
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8. Is down stage right a stronger part of the stage to place an actor than down stage left? Why or Why
not?
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True or False
_____ 9. House left is on the same side of the auditorium as stage left.
_____ 10. A curved cross from one side of the stage to the other may evoke in the audience a sense of
playfulness.
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