Pass light over empty stage (6)
I believe the answer is:
elapse
'pass' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'light over empty stage' is the wordplay.
'light' becomes 'pale' (similar in meaning).
'over' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'stage' with its centre removed is 'se'.
'pale' back-to-front is 'elap'.
'elap'+'se'='ELAPSE'
(Other definitions for elapse that I've seen before include "Pass away - asleep (anag)" , "Go by - pass away" , "Please (anag) -- pass away" , "run by" , "'Pass by, as time (6)'" .)