Offstage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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offstage
[หษfหsteษชdส ]
Definition
theater setting
Offstage refers to the area in a theater that is not visible to the audience during a performance. This can include spaces such as the wings, backstage, or any area beyond the stage's visible boundary. It signifies where actors or equipment are positioned when they are not actively participating in the performance. The term is crucial in theater terminology, conveying a sense of separation from the performance while allowing for various activities to occur out of view.
Synonyms
backstage, behind the scenes, off-camera.
Examples of usage
- The actor waited offstage until it was his turn to perform.
- The director gave instructions offstage before the scene began.
- Many props are stored offstage until they are needed.
- The audience couldn't see the drama unfolding offstage.
Translations
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Origin of 'offstage'
The term 'offstage' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'off', which means away from or not in the location of something, and 'stage', referring to the platform where performances take place. The word 'stage' has Latin origins, coming from the word 'stare', which means to stand, and it became associated with the raised platforms used in performance arts. 'Offstage' began to be used in the late 17th century, first appearing in theatrical contexts to describe areas not visible to the audience. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a variety of contexts in theater and performance arts, while also influencing the language of film and television production.