#separator:tab #html:false #tags column:4 Upstage The part of the stage farthest from the audience theater-terms Downstage The part of the stage nearest the audience theater-terms Stage left The actor's left as they face the audience theater-terms Stage right The actor's right as they face the audience theater-terms Center stage The middle of the stage theater-terms Wings The off-stage areas to the sides of the stage theater-terms Backstage The area behind and around the stage the audience cannot see theater-terms Proscenium The arch framing the stage opening theater-terms Apron The part of the stage in front of the curtain theater-terms Curtain The cloth that opens and closes to hide the stage theater-terms Backdrop A large painted cloth at the back of the stage theater-terms Set The scenery and furniture of a play theater-terms Props Objects actors handle on stage theater-terms Costume Clothing worn by actors theater-terms Script The written words of a play theater-terms Cue A signal for an action to start theater-terms Line The words an actor speaks theater-terms Dialogue A conversation between characters theater-terms Monologue A long speech by one character theater-terms Soliloquy A speech in which a character speaks thoughts aloud alone theater-terms Aside A comment spoken to the audience that other characters do not hear theater-terms Blocking Where and how actors move on stage theater-terms Rehearsal Practice before a performance theater-terms Dress rehearsal The final practice with costumes, lights and sound theater-terms Cast The actors in a show theater-terms Understudy An actor who learns a role to replace the main actor if needed theater-terms Ensemble A group of actors who perform together, often in small roles theater-terms Lead A main role theater-terms Director The person who guides the whole production theater-terms Stage manager The person who runs the show during performances theater-terms Producer The person who raises money and organizes a production theater-terms Playwright The person who writes a play theater-terms Designer Someone who plans set, lights, costumes or sound theater-terms Stagehand A crew member who moves scenery and props theater-terms Audition A tryout for a role theater-terms Callback A second audition theater-terms Casting Choosing actors for parts theater-terms Spotlight A strong beam that lights one actor or area theater-terms Gel A colored sheet placed over a light theater-terms Blackout All stage lights turned off at once theater-terms Intermission A break in the middle of a show theater-terms Act A main section of a play theater-terms Scene A smaller section of an act in one place and time theater-terms Prologue An introduction at the start theater-terms Epilogue A short ending speech or scene theater-terms Plot The story's events theater-terms Conflict The problem or struggle in a story theater-terms Climax The most exciting moment theater-terms Protagonist The main character theater-terms Antagonist The character who opposes the main character theater-terms Comedy A play that is funny and ends happily theater-terms Tragedy A serious play that ends sadly theater-terms Musical A play told with songs and dance theater-terms Improv Acting made up on the spot theater-terms Pantomime (mime) Acting without words, using movement theater-terms Puppetry Telling stories using puppets theater-terms Projection Speaking loudly and clearly so everyone can hear theater-terms Enunciation Speaking each word clearly theater-terms Stage fright Nervousness before performing theater-terms Break a leg A way to wish an actor good luck theater-terms Tableau A frozen picture made by actors theater-terms Fourth wall The imaginary wall between actors and audience theater-terms Breaking the fourth wall When a character talks directly to the audience theater-terms Greek theater Ancient plays performed in open-air stages in Greece theater-terms Globe Theatre London theater where Shakespeare's plays were performed theater-terms William Shakespeare English playwright who lived from 1564 to 1616 theater-terms Broadway Famous theater district in New York City theater-terms Ham it up Overact for comic effect theater-terms Green room A waiting room for performers theater-terms Pit The area where the orchestra plays in front of the stage theater-terms Fly system Ropes and pulleys that lift scenery above the stage theater-terms