When we think of the theatre, we think of dazzling performances, big red curtains, grand buildings, beautiful costumes and interval ice creams. But what happens on stage is only half of the magic. The rest of the magic is backstage theatre.In this article, we’re going to give you a peek behind the curtains, exploring the wonderful world of backstage.What is Backstage in Theatre?In theatre, ‘backstage’ refers to the area behind the stage. That includes the wings, dressing rooms, and any other area that’s not visible to the audience.Backstage, there’s a whole crew of people working and preparing, including actors, lighting technicians, runners and hair/make-up artists.Key Areas Backstage Include:Dressing rooms: Actors can change into their next costume, touch up their makeup, or rehearse their lines. Wings: The areas on either side of the stage where actors wait to make their entrance and where scenery and props are stored. Crossover: This is a passageway behind the stage where actors and crew can move between the wings without being seen by the audience. Green room: Most theatres will have a green room where actors can relax and wait for their next cue. Workshops and storage: Theatres will often have workshopping and storage areas, too; these are where props, costumes and sets are built, maintained and stored. The stage manager’s desk: The stage manager oversees every part of the production. They communicate with actors, technicians and crew members via headsets, ensuring everything is running to plan. If something goes wrong, it’s the stage manager who fixes it… before the audience notices a thing!How to Make the Most of Backstage AreasAs an actor, you’ll spend a lot of time under the spotlight. But you’ll spend even more time backstage.Backstage theatre is where most of the magic happens. Costumes are changed at breakneck speeds, props are set in place, and actors shake off their final few nerves before they step out in front of an audience.As an actor, you need to make the most of your time backstage. Here are some tips for doing that…1. The pre-show ritual: Some have a lucky charm in their dressing room, whilst others rely on a breathing routine. Whatever the case, having a pre-show ritual is important. It can help you separate the outside world from the stage, getting you ready for the perfect performance.2. Finding calm in the chaos: To the outside eye, the theatre’s backstage can look chaotic. But to actors, there’s calm in the chaos. We move in the shadows and talk only when it’s most necessary, and there’s peacefulness to be found in that.3. Respecting the stage manager: One of the most important tips for actors… what the stage manager says, goes. As an actor, the stage manager is both a guide and a lifeline. One glance from them can be enough to calm any pre-performance jitters, and, if anything does go wrong, you know they’ve got your back.There are so many amazing things going on backstage. Whilst the audience often only thinks about what’s happening in front of them, as actors, we know the magic happens in the shadows.