What is the term for the slope of a stage that allows actors to be seen clearly by the audience?

The term "rake" refers specifically to the sloped design of a stage that ensures better visibility for the audience. By angling the stage upward towards the back, a rake helps elevate the performers and allows them to be seen more clearly from various seating positions in the audience. This design considers sight lines, which are crucial for effective staging, as it minimizes obstruction and enhances the overall viewing experience.

Other terms, while they may describe aspects of stage design, don't specifically denote the intentional angle created for improved visibility. "Incline" and "stage slope" are general terms that can refer to any form of upward or downward angling, but they lack the specific connotation and historical context that "rake" has within theatrical terminology. "Stage tilt" similarly does not capture the precise intention behind raked stages and is often used to describe unintended shifts rather than the deliberate architectural choice made for visibility. Thus, "rake" is the most accurate and historically relevant term for this concept in stage design.