Final answer:
The area off stage to the actors' left and/or right is known as the wing space, which serves to facilitate entrances, exits, and scenery changes during a theatrical production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area off stage to the actors' left and/or right is known as the wing space. This area in a theatre is used for multiple purposes, including giving actors ways to enter and exit the stage. Additionally, the wing space serves as a place for scenery to be stored or moved out of sight.
These areas are an essential part of stage design, ensuring smooth transitions and facilitating the technical aspects of a production. In proscenium theatres, the wing space also helps to accommodate scenery changes, enabling backdrops and set pieces to be moved with ease. In thrust and arena stages, the functionality of the wing space adapts to the specific configurations and limitations of these unique stage formats.