downstage I. \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adverb (or adjective) Usage:3down + stage, n. : toward or at the front of a theatrical stage < swept her train downstage > < bent the downstage knee > — compare upstage II. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun : the front of a stage immediately behind the footlights