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Musical Jargon
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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.
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