Which Is Upstage and Downstage?

If a performer walks towards the front of the stage, approaching the audience, this area is referred to as downstage, and the opposite area of the stage further away from the audience is called upstage.

Why do we say upstage and downstage?

On a raked stage an actor who is farther from the audience is higher than an actor who is closer to the audience. This led to the theatre positions "upstage" and "downstage", meaning, respectively, farther from or closer to the audience.

What is the difference between upstage and downstage where did these words come from?

Take a look at this diagram. So, Stage Right and Stage Left make sense. But why Upstage and Downstage? The terminology comes from the days in which the audience seats were on a flat floor and the stage was tilted (razed) toward the audience, so that everyone on the audience floor could see the performance.