What term is used for the stage command that directs actors to take their positions at the beginning of an act or scene?

The term "Places" is used as a stage command to direct actors to take their positions at the beginning of an act or scene. This command signals to the performers that they should be ready and in their designated spots before the action begins. It ensures that everyone is prepared for the scene, allowing for a smooth transition into the performance. By calling "Places," the stage manager or director can create an environment where the audience can focus on the performance, as all actors are positioned and ready to deliver their lines and actions precisely when they are needed.

The other options do not effectively convey this specific directive. "Start" may imply the beginning of the scene, but does not specifically instruct actors to position themselves. "Queue," while related to performance in terms of lines or cues, does not denote an action of positioning. "Entrance" refers more to the action of coming onto the stage rather than the command for everyone to be ready in their places. Thus, "Places" is the precise term that conveys the necessary instruction for actors before the scene begins.