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Theater Terminology Essentials
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Proscenium
A type of stage design where the audience faces one side, and the backdrop often includes an arch.
Stage Left/Right
Directions on the stage from the actor's perspective, the opposite of the audience's view.
Downstage
The area of the stage closest to the audience.
Upstage
The area of the stage furthest from the audience.
Blocking
The precise staging of actors in order to facilitate the performance.
Cue
A signal for an actor, technician, or musician to begin their part of the performance.
Wings
The off-stage areas to the right and left of the performance space.
Fly System
A system of rigging and pulleys used to move scenery and equipment to and from the stage.
Green Room
A room where performers can relax before or after appearances on stage.
Legs
Narrow curtains used on both sides of the stage to obscure the wings from the audience.
Cyclorama
A curved backdrop at the rear of the stage which can be lit to create sky effects or other backdrops.
Prompt Book
The scripted booklet with added directions and notes, used by stage managers during a performance.
Fourth Wall
The imaginary wall that separates the audience from the performers, breaking it involves addressing the audience.
Apron
The part of the stage extending past the proscenium arch toward the audience.
Dress Rehearsal
A final rehearsal with all the elements of the production, costumes, lighting, and effects.
Gobo
A metal template placed in front of a lighting instrument to project patterns on the stage.
Grand Drape
The main curtain used to separate the stage from the audience, usually opened and closed during performances.
House
The area of the theater where the audience sits.
Load-in
The process of moving set, costumes, and equipment into the theatre.
Monologue
A long speech by one actor in a play or movie.
Spotlights
Strong beams of light that illuminate a particular area of the stage, often following an actor.
Tableau
A static scene on stage with actors frozen in position, often to create a picture or represent a scene without movement.
Thrust Stage
A stage that extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area.
Traverse Stage
A type of stage where the audience is seated on two sides, similar to a fashion runway or sports court.
Vomitory
A passage situated below or behind a tier of seats in an auditorium, through which the audience can enter or exit.
Wardrobe
The collection of costumes worn by actors in a play or movie.
Cold Reading
Performing lines out loud without having rehearsed them beforehand, often used in auditions.
Black Box
A type of theatre space that is small, created out of a room, painted all black, and is versatile for the creation of different layouts.
Rake
The slope of the stage floor, which can be inclined to enhance the view for the audience.
Tech Rehearsal
A rehearsal that focuses on the technical aspects of a production, such as lighting, sound, and set changes.
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