What is Upstage?

Upstage (often written US) is the area of the stage furthest from the audience, towards the back wall, and the opposite of downstage, which is the area closest to the audience. Together with stage left and stage right, it lets crew and performers describe any position on stage. Upstage is always measured from the audience, so it does not change with the performer's direction.

How upstage is used

Crews use upstage in everyday instructions and plans:

  1. Positions: "drum riser upstage centre" places the drums at the back middle.
  2. Movement: "move upstage" tells a performer to walk away from the audience.
  3. Set and screens: backdrops, LED walls and cycloramas usually hang upstage.
  4. Lighting: upstage lights add depth and backlight to performers.
  5. Combined directions: "upstage left" is the back corner on the performer's left.

Stage plans and layouts use these terms throughout, and venues share them with visiting acts and crews through documents in Crescat.

Upstage vs downstage

Upstage is the back of the stage, away from the audience. Downstage is the front, near the audience. The names come from raked stages in older theatres, which sloped upwards away from the audience, so walking to the back meant walking up the slope. Some theatres still have raked stages today.

What is usually found upstage

  • Drum risers and backline at concerts
  • LED screens, backdrops and cycloramas
  • Crossover routes behind the set
  • Lighting towers, set pieces and the band's own scenery
  • Choir or orchestra risers
  • Monitor and backline storage, out of sight

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to "upstage" someone?

Outside stage directions, it means taking attention away from someone. It comes from an actor moving upstage, forcing others to turn their backs on the audience to talk to them.

Is upstage the same as backstage?

No. Upstage is part of the stage the audience can see. Backstage is the area out of the audience's view, such as the wings, dressing rooms and corridors.

Why are stages divided into nine areas?

Combining upstage, centre and downstage with left, centre and right gives nine areas. This gives directors and crew a quick, precise way to describe positions. Centre stage, the middle of all nine, is usually the strongest position for a performer.

Related terms