Final answer:
Blocking is the eight-letter term for how actors are positioned and move on stage, determined by the director and informed by stage directions and the production's artistic vision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The eight-letter term for the positioning and moving of actors on a set or stage is known as blocking. This is a crucial element in theatre where the director determines where actors will move and position themselves throughout a performance. It is based on the script, the nature of the stage (whether it is a proscenium, thrust, or arena stage), and the artistic vision of the production.
For instance, on a proscenium stage, actors might receive directions like 'cross Downstage Right', which means they should move towards the audience (downstage) and to their right. Different stages, such as a thrust stage where the audience is on three sides, require more dynamic blocking to maintain engagement.