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Theater Vocabulary
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Downstage
The area of the stage closest to the audience. Example: The actor delivered the monologue at downstage center for impact.
Theater in the Round
A type of stage where the audience surrounds the acting area. Example: An immersive experience was created with a theater in the round setup.
Stage Manager
The person who supervises the stage crew, coordinates technical aspects, and cues during a production. Example: The stage manager called for a quick change to remedy the missing prop issue.
Off Book
When an actor has memorized their lines and no longer needs the script. Example: The director wanted everyone to be off book by next week.
Stage Left/Stage Right
The left or right side of the stage from the actor's perspective, facing the audience. Example: Move to stage right during the closing song.
Cold Reading
A reading of the script done without preparation. Example: At the audition, actors were asked to do a cold reading from the second act.
Upstage
The area of the stage farthest from the audience. Example: When he delivered the punchline, he was standing upstage, forcing everyone to turn their backs to the audience.
Green Room
A room in a theater allocated as a waiting area for actors before and during a performance. Example: Actors were chatting and warming up their voices in the green room.
Prompt Book
The annotated script containing all the actor's moves and technical cues, used by the stage manager. Example: During rehearsals, the stage manager kept a close eye on the prompt book.
Strike
To dismantle the set and clear the stage at the end of a play's run. Example: After the final performance, all the actors helped strike the set.
Break a Leg
A saying to wish good luck to actors before a performance. Example: As I went on stage, my fellow actor whispered, 'Break a leg!'
Sides
Excerpts from a script used in auditions or rehearsals. Example: The actors were given sides from various scenes to prepare.
Wings
The sides of the stage concealed from audience view. Example: She waited in the wings for her cue to enter.
Call Time
The time when actors must arrive at the theater for either a performance or rehearsal. Example: The call time for tomorrow's tech rehearsal is 6 PM sharp.
Fourth Wall
The imaginary wall between the actors and the audience. Example: In a naturalistic play, the players act as though the fourth wall were there to maintain the illusion.
Understudy
An actor who learns a role in order to perform in the absence of the primary actor. Example: She was the understudy for the lead role and had to perform on opening night.
Table Read
The initial reading of a script by the cast gathered around a table, often at the beginning of rehearsals. Example: The director shared her vision for the production during the table read.
Tech Rehearsal
A rehearsal focusing on the technological aspects of a performance, including lighting, sound, and set changes. Example: They spent the whole evening on the tech rehearsal, ironing out the lighting transitions.
Spiking the Stage
Marking the stage with tape to indicate where set pieces or actors should be positioned. Example: The crew spent the morning spiking the stage for the new scene changes.
House
The auditorium or area where the audience sits in a theater. Example: The house lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the play.
Blocking
The precise staging of actors to facilitate performance and storytelling. Example: The director worked on blocking the fight scene carefully to ensure safety and visibility.
Monologue
A long speech by one actor in a play or movie. Example: She recited a monologue from 'Hamlet' as her audition piece.
Proscenium
The type of stage in a theater that has a permanent framed opening through which the audience sees the play. Example: The set was designed specifically for a proscenium stage.
Dress Rehearsal
The final rehearsal of a play with costumes and props, as if it were the actual performance. Example: The dress rehearsal went smoothly, and the cast felt prepared for opening night.
Cue
A signal for something to happen in a performance. Example: Her line 'I can't take this anymore' was my cue to enter the stage.
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