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Stage direction

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Written instructions within a dramatic poem indicating actions or delivery

Detailed Definition
Stage direction refers to instructional elements within dramatic poetry guiding performance, movement, or delivery. These directions may appear explicitly or be embedded within the verse structure itself.
Example
Example in poetry:
Instructions for actors within dramatic verse; Performance cues embedded in poetry; Textual guidance for theatrical delivery; Stage directions in verse drama
Additional Notes
Stage direction in poetry cues action, tone, or delivery (e.g., “(whispering)”). Related to screen verse and persona speech. Use sparingly—effective directions heighten performance without dictating interpretation.
Also Known As
Performance direction Theatrical cue Actor's instruction Didascalia Theatrical guidance
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