# backstage

/ˈbækˈsteɪdʒ/ (US) · /bˈæksteɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backstage
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. behind the stage

adverb · CEFR B1

in or towards the area behind the stage where the audience cannot see you.

For teachers: situated or moving in the area behind the stage, typically including dressing rooms and wings.

- The actors went backstage to change their clothes for the next scene.
- After the final curtain call, the lead performers retreated backstage to escape the crowd of photographers waiting at the stage door.

### 2. relating to the area behind the stage

adjective · CEFR B1

describing things that happen or are located behind the stage.

For teachers: relating to or situated in the area behind a stage; often used to describe staff or equipment.

- She has a backstage pass that lets her meet the band after the concert.
- The backstage crew worked in near-total darkness to reposition the heavy scenery before the lights came up for the second act.

### 3. the area behind the stage

noun · CEFR B1

the part of a theatre that the audience does not see.

For teachers: the area behind the stage of a theatre, including the dressing rooms and technical areas.

- It was very crowded backstage with all the dancers and musicians.
- The atmosphere backstage was a chaotic mix of nervous energy and technical precision as the stage manager coordinated the final cues.

### 4. private or secret

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

happening in private, away from the public or the media.

For teachers: occurring away from public view or scrutiny; often used to describe political or business negotiations.

- The two leaders made a backstage deal before the official meeting started.
- While the public debate was civil, backstage negotiations were reportedly fraught with tension and mutual distrust between the two factions.

## Examples

- The actors are getting ready backstage.
- After the concert ended, a few lucky fans were invited backstage to meet the lead singer.
- While the audience marveled at the seamless scene changes, a dozens of technicians worked frantically backstage to coordinate the complex machinery and lighting cues.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.