This month I've decided to create a glossary of the most commonly used terms one might come across when working in the theatre. How many of these terms do you already know?
A
Act: The main division of a play or musical.
Action: The interplay between performers.
Ad-lib: To improvise.
Apron: The part of the stage in front of the curtain (between the proscenium arch and the edge of the stage).
Aside: A short remark made to the audience by one of the characters in the play.
Audition: A process whereby perspective actors/singers/dancers perform in front of a group of individuals usually including the director and/or stage manager who are looking to cast specific roles and chorus. Most auditions require prepared material (monologues, songs) as well as cold readings. Many dancers must learn a short dance routine taught by the choreographer and then execute it at performance level within a few minutes.
Backstage: Any area not seen by the audience, including dressing rooms.
Belt: A style of singing in which a large, full tone is used. (found in musical theatre).
Bit part: A small role.
Blackout: Quickly cutting the lights to make the stage area completely dark.
Blocking: Providing the actors with their locations on stage and their actions.
Book: The dialogue (libretto) of a musical. (the script).
Box office: The place where one can purchase tickets to the show.
Break a leg: An old theatrical adage meaning "good luck".
Breakaway: A costume or prop that is designed to come apart easily.
Broadway: The major theatrical district in New York City.
Callback: When a director selects a few performers from auditions who are asked to return for a second try-out.
Casting: The process of choosing performers to play the selected roles.
Characterization: Adding the traits, quirks and mannerisms of a particular character.
Cold reading: Reading a part from a script that one has not rehearsed before.
Company: Any performers, crew, stage hands, etc. associated with a particular show.
Cover: To stand in front of someone else on stage, blocking them from the audience.
Cue: That which signals when to enter, exit, play music, change lighting, etc.
Curtain call: Final bows at the end of a performance.
Director: Although the director can fall under many subheadings, it is the person responsible for the overall artistic vision of the production.
Double: To play more than one role in the same production.
Dress Rehearsal(s): A final rehearsal with all make-up, costumes, sets, lighting, sound etc. A dry run of the exact performance, just without an audience.
Extra: A person who is used to provide proper background but who doesn't have lines.
