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Theater Terms
Stage directions, jobs and words used in plays and musicals.
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- UpstageTermThe part of the stage farthest from the audience
- DownstageTermThe part of the stage nearest the audience
- Stage leftTermThe actor's left as they face the audience
- Stage rightTermThe actor's right as they face the audience
- Center stageTermThe middle of the stage
- WingsTermThe off-stage areas to the sides of the stage
- BackstageTermThe area behind and around the stage the audience cannot see
- ProsceniumTermThe arch framing the stage opening
- ApronTermThe part of the stage in front of the curtain
- CurtainTermThe cloth that opens and closes to hide the stage
- BackdropTermA large painted cloth at the back of the stage
- SetTermThe scenery and furniture of a play
- PropsTermObjects actors handle on stage
- CostumeTermClothing worn by actors
- ScriptTermThe written words of a play
- CueTermA signal for an action to start
- LineTermThe words an actor speaks
- DialogueTermA conversation between characters
- MonologueTermA long speech by one character
- SoliloquyTermA speech in which a character speaks thoughts aloud alone
- AsideTermA comment spoken to the audience that other characters do not hear
- BlockingTermWhere and how actors move on stage
- RehearsalTermPractice before a performance
- Dress rehearsalTermThe final practice with costumes, lights and sound
- CastTermThe actors in a show
- UnderstudyTermAn actor who learns a role to replace the main actor if needed
- EnsembleTermA group of actors who perform together, often in small roles
- LeadTermA main role
- DirectorTermThe person who guides the whole production
- Stage managerTermThe person who runs the show during performances
- ProducerTermThe person who raises money and organizes a production
- PlaywrightTermThe person who writes a play
- DesignerTermSomeone who plans set, lights, costumes or sound
- StagehandTermA crew member who moves scenery and props
- AuditionTermA tryout for a role
- CallbackTermA second audition
- CastingTermChoosing actors for parts
- SpotlightTermA strong beam that lights one actor or area
- GelTermA colored sheet placed over a light
- BlackoutTermAll stage lights turned off at once
- IntermissionTermA break in the middle of a show
- ActTermA main section of a play
- SceneTermA smaller section of an act in one place and time
- PrologueTermAn introduction at the start
- EpilogueTermA short ending speech or scene
- PlotTermThe story's events
- ConflictTermThe problem or struggle in a story
- ClimaxTermThe most exciting moment
- ProtagonistTermThe main character
- AntagonistTermThe character who opposes the main character
- ComedyTermA play that is funny and ends happily
- TragedyTermA serious play that ends sadly
- MusicalTermA play told with songs and dance
- ImprovTermActing made up on the spot
- Pantomime (mime)TermActing without words, using movement
- PuppetryTermTelling stories using puppets
- ProjectionTermSpeaking loudly and clearly so everyone can hear
- EnunciationTermSpeaking each word clearly
- Stage frightTermNervousness before performing
- Break a legTermA way to wish an actor good luck
- TableauTermA frozen picture made by actors
- Fourth wallTermThe imaginary wall between actors and audience
- Breaking the fourth wallTermWhen a character talks directly to the audience
- Greek theaterTermAncient plays performed in open-air stages in Greece
- Globe TheatreTermLondon theater where Shakespeare's plays were performed
- William ShakespeareTermEnglish playwright who lived from 1564 to 1616
- BroadwayTermFamous theater district in New York City
- Ham it upTermOveract for comic effect
- Green roomTermA waiting room for performers
- PitTermThe area where the orchestra plays in front of the stage
- Fly systemTermRopes and pulleys that lift scenery above the stage
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