What does "places" signify in the context of a stage command?

In the context of a stage command, "places" signifies that actors should take their designated spots on the stage. This directive ensures that all performers are positioned correctly prior to the start of a scene or performance, allowing for smooth entrances and ensuring that the staging is visually effective. Proper placement is crucial for blocking, which involves the arrangement and movement of actors onstage to achieve a desired visual composition and to ensure that all performers are visible and in the right position to deliver their lines and actions effectively.

The other options, while related to various aspects of performance preparation, do not accurately capture the specific meaning of "places." Preparing lines, engaging with the audience, or practicing movements are all important components of theater, but they do not pertain specifically to the command for actors to position themselves on stage as instructed by the term "places."