Theatre Appreciation Terms

French for "living picture", is a static scene containing one or more actors or models.

an actor positions their body towards the audience es so that audiences can see and hear them better

anything handled or carried by an actor

a dramatic device in which a character speaks to the audience.

Areas of the theatre next to the stage accessible only to performers and technicians includes dressing rooms, shops, etc

a person who writes plays, also known as a dramatist

A flexible performance space with no defined playing area.

the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

the space offstage to the right or left of the acting area in a theatre

person in charge of the artistic vision, goal is to bring out the best performance from the actors and tell the story

The area of the stage closest to the audience.

a speech of ones thoughts spoken out loud without addressing another.

The movement of characters / actors on stage.

production historian who learns about the time and setting to help the play be appropriate and effective.

any parts of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience or seating area.

a sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, dancer or other performer.

a type of breathing that actors are taught to promote more effective aeration of the lungs and aid in vocal projection

actor finds a real past experience where they felt a similar emotion to that demanded by the role they are playing.

a practice sessions or practice performances done prior to a real event or before viewing by an audience.

an invitation to the actor, from the director of a show, to take the next step down the audition path.

the underlying message being conveyed by a piece of dialogue.

The body part or feature used by an actor to lead movements, often used to reflect a character's major personality trait

a speech made by one person speaking his or her thoughts aloud or directly addressing a reader, audience or character.

A distinctive action that serves as a clue to a character's personality

A character's pursuit of a specific goal in a scene.

a painted cloth that hangs in the back of the stage to indicate scenery.

the trigger for an action to be carried out at a specific time.

toward or at the rear of a theatrical stage (area farthest away from the audience)

the strength of speaking or singing whereby the voice is used loudly and clearly.

he audience directly faces the playing area which is separated by a portal called the proscenium arch.

to make up lines, words or actions in a scene to cover up a mistake.

also known as in the round, because the audience sits all around the stage.

An imaginary reference line on the playing area that indicates where the proscenium arch is.

The playing area protrudes out into the house with the audience seating on 3 sides.

a flat piece of theatrical scenery painted and positioned to give the appearance of buildings or other background.

the area of a stage left visible to the audience by the stage setting and usable by actors in the performance of a scene

any area in the theatre where the audience is seated.

the coloured plastic 'filters' placed in front of the lights found in theatres.