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A large curtain or wall, often concave, located at the back of the stage, used to create an illusion of sky or as a background. Example: The cyclorama was lit with a gradient to simulate dawn.

A flat piece of theatrical scenery which is painted and positioned on stage so as to give the appearance of buildings or other background. Example: A book flat was used to create the backdrop of a Victorian street.

The act of an actor laughing uncontrollably during a performance. Example: The actor tried to hold back a corpse after another cast member accidentally improvised a hilarious line.

A performer who learns many different ensemble roles to cover for absences. Example: The swing had to step in at the last minute for an ill cast member.

A room in a theater where performers can relax when they are not required on stage. Example: The cast members gathered in the green room to warm up before the show started.

Any prop or scenic element that actually works on stage, like a lamp that turns on or a door that opens. Example: The practical telephone on stage rang during the scene.

A seating area in a theater, typically a balcony level above the stalls. Example: The most expensive seats were located in the dress circle.

The person responsible for the smooth execution of a production, including calling cues and coordinating technical aspects. Example: The stage manager called cues from her prompt book during the performance.

A speech in a play where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often when alone. Example: Juliet's soliloquy in Romeo and Juliet exposes her inner conflict.

A small, simple performance space with flexible seating and staging. Example: The experimental play was staged in a black box theatre to create an intimate atmosphere.

A secondary audition where the selection process becomes more focused, often with a specific part in mind. Example: After the initial auditions, the director scheduled callbacks for the leading roles.

An imaginary wall that separates the audience from the performers, through which the audience watches the action. Example: The actor broke the fourth wall by directly addressing the audience.

A sloped stage that allows audience members to have a better view. Example: The rake of the stage made even the back row feel close to the action.

A book that contains the script of the play, with detailed instructions for performance, including stage movements and technical cues. Example: The stage manager kept her prompt book open during rehearsals for quick reference.

A theatrical slang used to wish a performer good luck without saying the actual words. Example: Before she went on stage, her co-star whispered, 'Break a leg!'

A metal or glass filter placed over a theater light to project a shape or pattern. Example: The gobo projected a pattern of leaves across the stage floor.

The precise movement and positioning of actors on stage. Example: The director spent the morning session working on the blocking for Act 2.

The area of the stage farthest away from the audience. Example: The set at the upstage area was arranged to represent a forest.

A final rehearsal with all elements of the show in place, including costumes, makeup, and technical effects. Example: The cast prepared for opening night with a series of dress rehearsals.

A technical rehearsal without actors to focus on lighting, scenery, and other technical aspects. Example: The crew ran a dry tech to ensure all the scene changes were smooth and silent.

The area where the audience sits or gathers before the performance. Example: The house lights dimmed as the play was about to begin.

A stage that extends into the audience on three sides and is connected to the backstage area. Example: The thrust stage brought the actors closer to the audience for a more immersive experience.

An actor who studies the lines and blocking of another actor's role, ready to fill in if necessary. Example: The lead actor was sick, so the understudy took over the role for the evening performance.

The area of the stage to the performer's right when facing downstage (toward the audience). Example: She made her entrance from stage right.

A remark by a character in a play intended to be heard by the audience but not by other characters. Example: In a comedic scene, the character might deliver an aside for comic relief.

Movement by an actor from one location onstage to another. Example: She executed a smooth cross downstage to intercept the other character's exit.

The area of the stage to the performer's left when facing downstage (toward the audience). Example: The props were set on stage left before the scene started.

The area of the stage closest to the audience. Example: The actor delivered the monologue at downstage center.

The reading of a script with little to no rehearsal, often used in auditions. Example: The actor impressed the directors with her ability to convey emotion during the cold reading.

A set with three walls and a ceiling, giving the illusion of a complete room. Example: The living room drama was performed on a box set to enhance the play's realism.

An opening in the stage floor where actors can descend or ascend, or props can be brought on stage. Example: The villain made her dramatic entrance through a trap in the stage.

An unforeseen problem with a costume during a performance. Example: During the quick change, the actor experienced a wardrobe malfunction but recovered professionally.

The areas to the sides of the stage, used for preparing to enter the stage and storing props or sets. Example: The stagehands arranged the scenery in the wing space for the upcoming scene.

Theatrical performances presented in one of the 41 professional theaters with 500 or more seats located in the Theater District, New York City. Example: The play was such a success that it moved to Broadway.

A type of stage design where the audience faces one side; the arch frames the stage and separates it from the auditorium. Example: Large traditional theater stages are often proscenium stages.

A signal for something to happen in a performance. Example: The lighting technician awaited her cue to change the lights.

A system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to raise and lower scenery, curtains, and lighting on a theater stage. Example: The backdrop was quickly changed using the fly system.

The cast's appearance onstage after the performance for an audience's applause. Example: The actors returned to the stage for their curtain call and received a standing ovation.

Narrow vertical stage drapes used to mask the sides of the stage. Example: The stagehand adjusted the legs to conceal the offstage props from the audience's view.

The theory and practice of dramatic composition. Example: The dramaturge worked closely with the playwright to ensure the historical accuracy of the script's dialogue.

A silent and motionless depiction of a scene created by actors, often at the end of a scene. Example: The actors formed a tableau as the curtain fell on the first act.

The process of marking the stage floor with tape to indicate where set pieces or actors should be placed during a performance. Example: We finished spiking the stage before the final dress rehearsal commenced.

An improvised kind of popular comedy in Italian theaters in the 16th to 18th centuries, characterized by stock characters and masks. Example: Characters like Harlequin and Pantalone originated from commedia dell'arte.

The unintentional breaking of character by laughing or by causing another actor to laugh. Example: Despite the serious tone of the scene, one of the actors started corpsing, setting off a chain reaction.

The removal of the set, props, and costumes from the stage after a performance is concluded. Example: Once the production ended, the crew worked overnight to strike the set.

A long speech by one actor in a play or movie. Example: Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' is one of the most famous monologues in Shakespeare's plays.

A theatrical performance held during the daytime, typically in the afternoon. Example: The theater offered a special matinee performance for students.

The lines of view that determine what areas of the stage are visible to the audience. Example: The set designer took special care to adjust the set for optimal sight lines.

The stage when actors have memorized their lines and no longer need the script. Example: The director was pleased to see the cast was off book by the second week of rehearsals.

A version of the play script specifically intended for use by performers during rehearsals, often containing notes. Example: The actors received their acting editions at the first rehearsal.

The part of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch toward the audience. Example: The performers delivered the epilogue on the apron.

The sides of the stage, usually out of the audience's view, where performers and set pieces wait to enter the stage area. Example: The actor waited in the wings before making his entrance.

A rehearsal that focuses on the technical aspects of a performance, such as lighting, sound, and set changes. Example: The cast and crew scheduled an extra tech rehearsal to perfect the scene transitions.