What do we call the area of a stage that is closer to the audience?

The area of the stage that is closer to the audience is referred to as downstage. This term comes from traditional theatre where the stage was often sloped down toward the audience, making this part of the stage the most visible and engaging for the audience. Understanding this terminology is essential for anyone involved in theatrical performances, as it helps in directing, blocking scenes, and positioning actors effectively to create a better visual experience for the audience.

In stark contrast, upstage refers to the area further away from the audience, while center stage is the middle part of the stage and side stage indicates areas to the left or right off the main performance area. These distinctions are important for conveying spatial orientation and movement on stage.