Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Swing • Vocal Captain • Spike Marks

Stage Left/Right

Term from Performing Arts industry explained for recruiters

Stage Left and Stage Right are basic terms used in theater and performing arts to describe positions on a stage. These directions are from the performer's perspective when facing the audience. When someone says "Stage Left," they mean the left side of the stage from the performer's view (which is actually the right side from the audience's view). Similarly, "Stage Right" is the right side from the performer's view (left side from the audience's view). These terms are essential for clear communication during rehearsals, performances, and stage directions, helping everyone involved understand exact locations without confusion.

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated prop placement and actor movements from Stage Left to Stage Right for multiple productions

Managed lighting equipment setup on Stage Right for national touring shows

Directed ensemble choreography utilizing both Stage Left and Stage Right wing spaces

Led crew of 5 stagehands managing Stage Right scene changes

Typical job title: "Stage Managers"

Also try searching for:

Theater Director Stage Director Production Manager Technical Director Stage Hand Theater Technician Production Assistant

Where to Find Stage Managers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complex scene transition involving multiple moving pieces from both Stage Left and Stage Right simultaneously?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss coordination strategies, safety protocols, crew assignments, timing, and backup plans. They should mention communication systems and how to handle potential problems during the transition.

Q: How do you train new crew members on stage directions and positioning?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for teaching stage directions clearly, including practical exercises, common terminology, and how to ensure consistent understanding across the entire production team.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you maintain clear communication between Stage Left and Stage Right during a show?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various communication methods like headsets, hand signals, or cue lights, and explain how to maintain coordination between both sides of the stage.

Q: What systems do you use to track prop and set piece positions between Stage Left and Stage Right?

Expected Answer: Should describe organizational methods like charts, diagrams, or checklists used to track items and ensure proper placement throughout a performance.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic stage directions from both performer and audience perspective?

Expected Answer: Should be able to clearly explain that Stage Left is the performer's left (audience's right) and Stage Right is the performer's right (audience's left), showing understanding of these fundamental terms.

Q: What's the difference between Stage Left/Right and House Left/Right?

Expected Answer: Should explain that Stage Left/Right is from the performer's perspective while House Left/Right is from the audience's perspective, demonstrating basic understanding of theater terminology.