Blocking

Play´s director

Main Role

Determines the actors’ movements and positions on stage.

Actions

“Pre-block” scenes

Map out the actors’ movements outside of rehearsal

Make blocking decisions

Try a variety of movements and stage positions

Make adjustments

Basic Functions of Blocking

Reflecting the authentic behavior of the characters

Reflecting the relationships between and among characters.

Giving the focus to certain characters at appropriate moments

Making effective use of the set.

Convey the meanings and moods of the play.

Stage directions

Upstage

The rear of the stage area

Downstage

The front, nearest the audience

Stage left and stage right

Actors' left and right when facing the audience.

House left and house right

Audience perspective

Blocking is the theater term for the actors’ movements on the stage during the performance of the play or the musical.