1. Cut out all the pieces.

(Does 'out' mean 'completely' here?)

2. Shine a light on the back of the stage.

3. Shine a light at the back of the stage.

4. Shine a light in back of the stage.

5. Shine a light in the back of the stage.

(Which one is right? Do they have the same meaning? Is #2 the same as the other ones?)

1 answer

#1 means that each piece is to be cut completely around its shape so that it's free of the paper or whatever the shapes are drawn on.

#2 means that a light would be shined so it illuminates the back of the stage; the implication is that the light is in front of the stage, aimed to the back of the stage.

#3-#5 seem to mean that lights already at the back of the stage or behind the stage are to be turned on. They would probably be aimed toward the audience or upward toward the ceiling.