stagecraft
/ˈsteɪdʒ.krɑːft/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The skill of planning and controlling a live performance so it looks smooth and effective. It includes lighting, sound, movement, and the way actors use the stage.
- The play was impressive because of its strong stagecraft.
- She learned stagecraft while directing school shows.
- Good stagecraft made the scene feel real.
Adinary Nuance
Stagecraft is broader than acting. Acting is about how performers play their roles, while stagecraft is about the whole presentation around them. It is also different from showmanship, which often suggests dramatic style meant to impress an audience. Use stagecraft when you mean the technical and creative work behind a performance.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- kỹ thuật sân khấu
- Spanish
- técnica teatral
- Chinese
- 舞台技艺
- Japanese
- 舞台技術
- Korean
- 무대 기술
Etymology
Stagecraft is an English word from stage + craft. It appeared in the late 19th to early 20th century to describe the practical skills of theatre work.
Common phrases
strong stagecraftstagecraft skillsthe art of stagecraftmaster stagecraft
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is stagecraft the same as acting?
- No. Acting is how a performer plays a role. Stagecraft includes the wider work that makes the performance work well.
- Is stagecraft used only in theatre?
- Mostly, yes. It can also refer to the craft of staging films, shows, or live events.
- Is stagecraft a formal word?
- Yes, it is slightly formal. You will see it more in writing about theatre, film, or performance.
- How do I use stagecraft in a sentence?
- You can say, 'The director's stagecraft kept the audience engaged.'