The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 plus 5 letter word OFF STAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
O
F
F
S
T
A
G
E
More clues leading to the result OFF STAGE
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OFF STAGE mean?
OFF STAGE adjective- Of, or relating to that part of a stage not visible to the audience.
- Of, or relating to the private life of a celebrity.
- Taking place offstage (as above)