Theatre Terminology

What part of the stage is square 1?

Term applied to the process of working out the actor's movements and positions during rehearsal

2 actors share a scene & both "open" to an equal degree so the audience to see them equally

The space above the stage in which scenery is suspended

Last words of a speech or end of an action, indicating time for another actor to speak or act

Scenes involving a number of bit players

Direction for actors to adjust positions to improve the compositional effect of stage picture

Actor is turned away from the audience

Actor faces toward the audience, or nearly

Objects for dressing stage not used by actors in executing their business such as vases, lamps

The area of the stage on the audience side of the front curtain/grand drape.

Where is downstage?

Closes the proscenium opening and conceals the stage from the audience. Usually red.

When two actors are not equally "open" and one receives greater emphasis than the other

Direction given for everyone to be in his proper position for the beginning of an act

Structure within which theatrical performances are given. Includes: seating area and stage

Small props carried on the actor's person and are used only by him--such as watches, glasses.

Movement from one area to another. In writing it is generally abbreviated by "X"

What part of the stage is square 4?

A small part with few lines

When play is over to dismantle the set, during play to change the scene

Direction actor faces relative to the audience : ¼ Left, Profile Left, ¾ Right, Full Front

Line which the other actors onstage are not supposed to be hearing-usually directed to audience

What part of the stage is square 8?

Small objects which the actors handle onstage such as teacups, letters, books.

To increase the tempo or the volume or both to reach a climax.

Direction for the actor to begin speaking immediately on cue without allowing any lapse of time

An opening in the stage floor

Readings before the director to determine casting.

Lines on which actor does not project his voice-also used to mean accidentally missing lines

Actor supplied lines in crowd scenes or to fill in where there would be an undesirable pause

Small actions, such as eating, using a fan, tying a necktie

Another actor moves into position between the audience and another actor, AVOID

What part of the stage is square 7?

Direction for everyone not immediately involved to leave the stage at the beginning of an act

Costume accessories used by the actor in executing business such as fans,gloves

What is this body position?

The area backstage where the actors wait during performances

Mechanically holding a position or expression

A small part without lines.

Large piece of painted fabric hung behind the actors painted to resemble a realistic location

The archway as defined by the boundaries of the stage beyond which a viewer cannot see.