Stage Blocking

Blocking is the recording of the performers’ entrances, exits, moves, gestures, pace, use of props etc against the script. This serves as a daily reference for the performers and director during rehearsals, and is a record of the moves. There are two types of blocking used in theatre: graphic and shorthand notation.

Graphic

The moves are recorded on a reduced, simplified ground plan, using symbols to represent the movements.

Example:

Character Symbol (Initial inside)

 

Arrow indicating direction of travel
(Add a number to correlate with place in script)

Shorthand

Most theatre practitioners use a common language when referring to different areas of the stage. The stage can be divided into nine areas, as shown below:

Key:

• USR - Upstage Right
• USC - Upstage Centre
• USL - Upstage Left
• CSR - Centre Stage Right
• CS - Centre Stage
• CSL - Centre Stage Left
• DSR - Down Stage Right
• DC - Down Centre
• DSL - Down Stage Left

These are the most commonly used symbols in shorthand, and personal preference will dictate the rest.

Key to most commonly used symbols and abbreviations:

• X - Crosses
• En - Enters
• Ex - Exits
• Down Arrow - Sits down
• Up Arrow - Stands
• Tight arch with dot - Short pause
• Broad arch with dot - Long pause

Example:

 

Barry enters upstage left and crosses down stage left to the desk and sits

1. Answers phone and concludes section of dialogue

Stands and crosses DSR to the door

2. Calls out to another as per dialogue.

N.B. Thanks must go to Gail Pallin and her extensive work shown in her book
“Stage Management – The Essential Handbook” see Amazon Books