front stage
Where actors perform
Front stage describes behavior, spaces, or personas presented to an audience—the version of yourself you show others.
The term comes from sociologist Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory, contrasting with backstage (private, unguarded behavior).
A job interview is front stage; complaining about it afterward to a friend is backstage.
She maintained her front stage composure even when furious.
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- standing ovationApplause while risen
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- performanceCarrying out a task
opening night · footlights · actor · break a leg · theater · apron · proscenium · limelight · entrance · bow · applause · take a bow · scene · boards · podium · microphone · presenter · facade
- Impression managementself-presentation, first impression, body language, eye contact, dress code
- social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, hi, bye
front stagebackstage
Theater's hidden area
back stage · offstage · behind the scenes · wings · greenroom
front stagebackstage
Theater's hidden area
back stage · behind the scenes · private self · off-duty · unguarded
front, stage, fronts, fronted, fronting, frontal, frontage, frontward, frontwards