# onstage

/ˌɑnˈsteɪdʒ/ (US) · /ˈɒnsteɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/onstage
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. performing for the audience

adverb · CEFR B1

on the part of the stage where the audience can see you.

For teachers: in or into the area of a stage that is visible to the audience during a performance.

- The actors walked onstage and the audience started to clap.
- The lead soprano remained onstage throughout the entire first act, maintaining her character even during the orchestral interludes.

Usage: Usually follows a verb of motion or position.

### 2. visible to the audience

adjective · CEFR B2

happening or located on the stage during a show.

For teachers: located or occurring on the part of the stage visible to the spectators.

- The play features several onstage costume changes.
- The director insisted on an onstage appearance for the narrator to bridge the gap between the fictional world and the audience.

Usage: Typically placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- The actors are waiting to go onstage.
- The lead singer walked onstage to a roar of applause from the crowded stadium.
- While the technical crew worked frantically behind the scenes, the comedian remained onstage, improvising jokes to keep the audience entertained during the power failure.

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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.