Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Musical Jargon
25
Flashcards
0/25
Libretto
The text of an opera or musical, including the dialogue and lyrics.
Orchestra Pit
The area located in front of a theatre stage where the orchestra performs.
Wings
The sides of the stage that are out of view of the audience and are used for performers' entrances and exits.
Cue
A signal for an actor or technician to do a predetermined action, such as an entrance or a light change.
Book
The written script of a musical, including dialogue and stage directions.
Blocking
The precise staging of actors on a stage in order to facilitate the performance.
Ensemble
The group of supporting performers in a musical, not including the leads.
Cold Reading
The reading aloud of a script or performative text without prior rehearsal, often in an audition setting.
Tech Week
The week prior to the opening of a performance dedicated to technical rehearsals, often with full costume and makeup.
Choreography
The art of designing dance movements and sequences for a musical.
Overture
An instrumental introduction to a musical, often presenting some of the musical's themes.
Ballad
A slow, sentimental, or romantic song typically in a musical.
Call Time
The time performers are required to be at the theater before a performance begins.
Proscenium
The part of a theatre stage that is in front of the curtain.
Downstage
The part of the stage closest to the audience; when an actor moves towards the audience.
Stage Right
The right side of the stage from the perspective of an actor facing the audience.
Swing
A member of the company who is able to play multiple ensemble roles and replace sick or absent performers.
Green Room
A room in a theatre provided for performers when they are not engaged on stage.
Backdrop
A large piece of cloth on which scenery is painted, usually hung at the back of a stage.
Tableau
A stage picture held by performers without movement, typically at the end of a scene or act.
Reprise
A repeated passage in music, often a return to an earlier song but with variations.
Upstage
The part of the stage furthest from the audience; when an actor moves away from the audience.
Stage Left
The left side of the stage from the perspective of an actor facing the audience.
Score
The composed music for a musical, usually including lyrics.
Understudy
A performer who learns the parts of a lead role in order to serve as a replacement if needed.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.