stage directions

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Today, to gauge a film’s potential, Macy aims to read scripts in one sitting and skips over the stage directions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Jelinek’s signature dramatic form is the theatrical monologue: lengthy paragraphs of discursive text without clearly indicated characters, stage directions or conventional plot.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2024

I have a tendency to obsess over the stage directions, which are not in the movie.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2023

For example, they can’t make cuts for time, make minor changes to dialogue or even change stage directions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2023

The cop gave his lines right and Francie picked up her cues happily and the stage directions were the smiles between the spoken lines.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith