What is the name of the areas located at the sides of the stage?

The areas located at the sides of the stage are referred to as the wings. Wings are essential components of a theater's design, providing space where actors and crew can wait and prepare before entering the stage, as well as for storing sets and props. They serve to enhance the staging's visual impact without being visible to the audience. The wings are specifically designed to mask sight lines and help with quick scene changes, playing a crucial role in the overall staging and production dynamics.

In understanding the other options, the orchestra pit pertains to the area where musicians perform, typically situated in front of the stage, and backstage refers to the entire area behind and to the sides of the stage where production activities occur but may encompass more space than just the wings. The proscenium is the architectural frame or opening of the stage that separates the audience from the performing area. Each of these areas has distinct functions and placements relative to the performance space.