backstage
bak-STAYJ
/ˌbækˈsteɪdʒ/
The area behind the stage out of audience view, including dressing rooms and prop areas.
Refers to physical offstage technical zones or metaphorically to behind-the-scenes operations.
The story behind the word. A literal 18th-century English compound combining 'back' (behind) and 'stage' (from Old French 'estage'). It originated as theaters grew larger and required enclosed operational zones hidden from the audience.
Word relationships
- offstage: Offstage refers strictly to areas immediately out of view, while backstage covers the entire rear facility.
- behind-the-scenes: Behind-the-scenes is an adjective describing hidden operations, while backstage is both a noun and adverb.
- onstage: Onstage is the visible performance area in front of the audience.
Commonly confused with
- wings: The wings are the immediate side areas of the stage floor; backstage includes dressing rooms and rear corridors.
Word family
- backstager (noun): An actor or crew member who works behind the scenes.
Collocations
- backstage pass
- backstage area
- go backstage
- backstage crew
Idioms & expressions
- backstage drama
Example sentences
- "Backstage, the crew worked furiously to move the heavy props before the lights came back on." Behind the scenes
- "The lucky contest winners received VIP passes to meet the rock band backstage after the concert." Access pass
Memory hook
BACK of the STAGE: Where the real hustle happens out of sight. Behind the curtains out of sight.
When not to use
Do not use for the main visible stage floor where actors perform publicly.
Fun facts
- In traditional British theater, telling an actor 'good luck' backstage is considered bad luck; performers say 'break a leg' instead.
Explore more words
stagecraft, backcountry, audience, secluded, back up, administrative
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