stage left

American  

noun

Theater.

1. the part of the stage that is left of center as one faces the audience.

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stage left British  

noun

1. the part of the stage to the left of a performer facing the audience

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Etymology

Origin of stage left

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does stage-left compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• stage right vs. stage left

Example Sentences

But she may be a better reactive comedian than she is a performer alone on stage, left entirely to her own devices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

The one negative to the performance I caught is that his work on the Hammond B3 was completely inaudible in the mix from your critic’s location, stage left and halfway up the seating bowl.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

The execution on stage left me in awe, willing to believe pretty much anything.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024

You wouldn't be wrong - but the word was coined long before our modern-day pop stars entered stage left.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2023

I saw Justin pacing off stage left, mumbling his lines nervously.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio