Short stage performance, shortened (4)
I believe the answer is:
dram
'short stage' is the definition.
'dram' can be an answer for 'short' (small amount of an alcoholic drink). I am not sure about the 'stage' bit.
'performance shortened' is the wordplay.
'performance' becomes 'drama' (I have seen 'Theatrical performance ' mean 'drama' so perhaps 'performance' could also mean 'drama').
'shortened' means to remove the last letter.
'drama' with its last letter removed is 'DRAM'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dram that I've seen before include "Short" , "Measure of Scotch" , "Nip, snifter" , "Measure of spirits" , "Small drink of alcohol" .)