Stage Business for Dummies

Stage business is a term commonly used in the world of theater. It refers to any actions, movements, or activities that actors perform on stage during a play or performance. These actions are not part of the main dialogue or the main plot of the play but are instead supplementary actions that actors do to heighten the realism and engagement of the audience.

Imagine you're watching a play about a family having dinner in their home. The main plot may revolve around the conflicts and interactions among the family members as they discuss important issues. However, stage business could include actions like the father pouring a glass of water for himself, the mother setting the table, or the children passing dishes around. These actions, although not crucial to the main storyline, help to create a more believable and immersive experience for the audience.

Stage business adds depth, texture, and detail to a performance by reflecting the natural behaviors we engage in during everyday life. It allows the actors to establish and maintain their characters, filling in the gaps between dialogue and adding a sense of authenticity to the overall production. By incorporating stage business, the actors can demonstrate their characters' personalities, emotions, and relationships, making the performance more relatable and enjoyable for the audience.

Think of stage business as the small touches that make a performance come alive. Just like in real life, where our actions often convey more than our words, the stage business provides additional layers of information about the characters and their environment. It helps to establish the setting and atmosphere of a scene, enriching the overall storytelling experience.

Additionally, stage business can also serve practical purposes behind the scenes. It may involve the actors coordinating their movements and placements on stage, ensuring smooth transitions from one scene to another, or handling props and set pieces. All these aspects contribute to the seamless flow of a play and the overall effectiveness of the performance.

So, stage business is the collection of actions and activities that actors perform on stage, which may be secondary to the main plot but are essential for creating a realistic, engaging, and cohesive theatrical experience for both the performers and the audience.