Front-stage behavior is “formal, planned behavior performed in professional and public settings.” (p. 10). This is the type of behavior seen by others for public observation. I.e., a police officer will behave differently in front of different audiences (i.e., public, boss, subordinates, etc). This differs from backstage behavior.
References:
Surette, Ray. (1992). “Mass media, crime, and criminal justice: An introduction .” Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice: Images and Realities. 1-20. Wadsworth Publishing Company: Belmont, California.