Alarum

A stage direction found in Renaissance plays, particularly Shakespeare, indicating sounds of battle, trumpet calls, or general commotion offstage. "Alarum" (an archaic form of "alarm") signals that fighting or conflict is happening beyond the audience's view. Related stage directions include "excursions" (brief skirmishes crossing the stage) and "alarums and excursions" (extended battle sequences). These directions give modern directors creative freedom in staging.