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 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.
1. In the sentence "Cut out all the pieces," the word "out" does mean "completely" or "entirely." It means that you should remove or separate all the pieces from their original context.
Regarding the other sentences:
2. "Shine a light on the back of the stage" means to direct the light towards the area at the rear of the stage, illuminating that specific area. This implies that the light source is located in front of the stage and the light is projected onto the back area.
3. "Shine a light at the back of the stage" has a similar meaning as the previous sentence. It also suggests directing the light towards the area at the rear of the stage. However, in this case, the exact location of the light source is not specified.
4. "Shine a light in back of the stage" is grammatically incorrect. The preposition "in" does not collocate well with "back." It is not commonly used this way to describe the location of something.
5. "Shine a light in the back of the stage" suggests placing the light source inside the area at the rear of the stage. It implies that the light is coming from within that specific location.
So, the correct sentence is #2: "Shine a light on the back of the stage." It implies that the light source is located in front of the stage and illuminates the area at the rear of the stage. The other sentences might convey similar meanings, but their usage and phrasing may not be as accurate.