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