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