Stage directions are notes included in a drama to describe how the work is to be performed or staged. They are used to describe sets, lighting, sound effects, and the appearance, personalities, and movements of characters.
The words in the printed text of a play that inform the director, crew, actors, and readers how to stage, perform, or imagine the play. Stage directions are not spoken aloud and may appear at the beginning of a play, before any scene, or attached to a line of dialogue. The place and time of the action, the design of the set itself, and at times the characters' actions or tone of voice are dictated through stage directions and interpreted by the group of people that put on a performance.
Scene descriptions, blocking instructions, and general directorial comments written, usually by the playwright, in the script.
descriptions (in the text of the play) of the set, the props, voice and movements of the actors, and the lighting
Instructions indicating the movement, blocking, or stage business of the performers or other descriptions of the physical setting or atmosphere of the play.
information written into a script which tells the actors when and where to move, or describes the intent or mood of action, may also describe scenery or props.
In television, directions in a script will give the actor a clear idea how the character is feeling at that moment and explain why. In theatre, stage directions indicate to an actor what he or she should do next in action and how they line might be said.
In a stageplay, the instructions in the text for the actors (e.g. entrances, exit, significant actions or business) and stage crew (e.g. lights fade). Also, in a musical, the person who directed the non-musical elements of the show may be credited with "Stage Direction" to distinguish him from the Music Director, who will be credited with "Music Direction."