noun / verb

stage

STAYJ/steɪdʒ/

A designated platform or setting for a performance.

A singer performs on the raised wooden stage above a seated audience member.

A singer performs on a visibly raised wooden stage while an audience member sits below its front edge.

Etymology

stageOld Frenchfloor; performance platform

Old French estage could denote a building’s floor or a performance platform. The underlying image is something to stand on, which became a place for public display and then theatrical performance.

In context

Shelle House1:33

raked stage are awfully dangerous for performers but raked seating is quite safe

Stage Directions

More examples

The festival has two stages for live music.
Our drama club stages a new play each spring.
The summit brings local concerns onto the world stage.

Forms

stage · stages · staged · staging

Similar words

platform: A raised surface, not necessarily used for performances.
arena: A venue or setting, often for competition or conflict.
produce: Emphasizes managing a performance's preparation, financing, and presentation.