onstage
UK: ɒnˈsteɪdʒ | US: ɑːnˈsteɪdʒ
adj. situated or occurring on a stage
adv. in or onto a stage; during a performance
The word "onstage" is a straightforward compound of "on" (Old English "on," indicating position) and "stage" (from Old French "estage," meaning a raised platform, derived from Latin "staticum"). It emerged in the late 19th century to describe actions or presence literally or figuratively "on the stage," reflecting theatrical terminology. The logic is spatial—combining "on" with "stage" to specify location in performance contexts.
The actors waited nervously onstage before the curtain rose.
Her onstage presence captivated the audience.
Technical issues forced the singer to pause onstage.
He tripped onstage but recovered gracefully.
The director prefers natural lighting for onscene effects.