Always stress relaxation and natural movements in the Stage Directions. A primary part of the Director’s job is to oversee movement and flow; that is, to direct each actor precisely where they are to be on stage and how they should move as they deliver their lines. This is known as “blocking” the production. With children it is essential to explain the reasoning behind the direction, and to have them be a part of it. Explain that blocking helps develop the characters they play – so much is expressed through body language, on-stage and off!
When we say Stage Right and Stage Left, it is exactly that: As we are standing on the stage looking at our audience, Stage Right is our right; Stage Left, our left. Upstage and Downstage are likely self-explanatory (with Downstage being closest to the audience).
Please see here for our second scene from Twelfth Night, and note how Stage Directions are incorporated to add a dynamic quality to the exchange between Viola and the Captain. Also have a look at the Theatre Games link under Resources for more fun techniques that will help the children become more comfortable with moving on-stage.