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Tone refers to the mood or general atmosphere of the play, which affects how the audience perceives the story. Directors establish tone through the collective impact of performance, set design, lighting, and sound.

An ensemble refers to a group of actors who work together as a unit rather than having individual lead roles. Directors foster ensemble work to create a sense of unity and to support the collective storytelling of the group.

A table read is the initial read-through of a script by the actors, often attended by the entire creative team. Directors use it to hear the play aloud, understand pacing, and begin collaborative discussions with the cast and crew.

Motivation is the reason behind a character's actions. Directors guide actors to discover and express their characters' motivations, which gives authenticity and depth to their performance.

Dress rehearsal is a full run-through of the play with all elements, including costumes and makeup, as if it were a performance. Directors use it to review the play holistically and make final adjustments before opening to an audience.

An actor's choices are the decisions made regarding the portrayal of their character. Directors guide and collaborate with actors to ensure that their choices are consistent with the vision of the play and enhance the narrative.

A beat is a unit of action or a moment in a scene that signifies a shift in the dynamic or emotional intensity between characters. A director might approach it by identifying the actors' objectives and determining the right tempo or pause to enhance the underlying subtext.

Blocking is the precise staging of actors in relation to each other and the space around them. Directors approach blocking by planning movements that reinforce the narrative and relationships between characters.

Technical rehearsal is when the technical elements of the production (lighting, sound, set, and costume changes) are integrated with the actors' performances. Directors focus on timing, safety, and ensuring technical cues support the narrative.

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a play, and it drives the plot forward. Directors must highlight and intensify conflict to engage the audience and give the story its dramatic energy.

Subtext is the underlying meaning or set of meanings that provide depth to dialogue and character actions. Directors must ensure that subtext is conveyed through actors' performances, emphasizing nuance over explicit dialogue.

A scene is a sequence of continuous action in a single location that forms a narrative unit. Directors approach scenes by breaking down elements like character, setting, and conflict to stage the action effectively.

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. Directors use this knowledge to build tension and engagement by staging scenes so the audience's anticipation of events adds to the drama.

Character objective is what a character wants to achieve in a scene or throughout the play. Directors must work with actors to understand and convey these objectives convincingly to drive the narrative.

The climax is the most intense point in the narrative arc, where the main conflict reaches its peak. Directors should build momentum leading up to the climax and ensure that actors deliver high-stakes performances.

Dialogue is the spoken exchange between characters. Directors need to ensure that dialogue delivery enhances character development, advances the plot, and maintains the play's pace.

Rehearsal is the practice of preparing the performance through repetitive action and refining. Directors use rehearsals to explore different interpretations, finalize blocking, and perfect the timing and delivery of performances.

Pace is the rhythm or tempo of a scene or the entire play. Directors manipulate pace to create tension, urgency, or other dramatic effects, using dialogue, actor movements, and technical elements like lighting and sound.

The resolution is the conclusion of the dramatic arc, where conflicts are resolved, and the story comes to an end. Directors should aim for a satisfying closure, resolving character arcs and ensuring the resolution aligns with the story's themes.

A monologue is a long speech by a single actor. Directors should work with the actor to develop a nuanced performance that maintains audience attention and reveals character depth.

The theme is the central idea or message conveyed by the play. Directors should focus on making the theme evident through the staging, actor performances, and design elements without being overly didactic or obvious.

Exposition is the introduction of background information within a story. Directors must present exposition clearly and interestingly to set the stage for the plot without overwhelming the audience with information.

Foreshadowing is a literary device that gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story. Directors use foreshadowing to create suspense and to make eventual narrative reveals more satisfying.

Staging is the process of selecting, designing, adapting, and arranging the performance space. Directors use staging to create the world of the play, directing the audience's focus, and supporting the actors' performances.