The Theatre
The section of seats closest to the stage, on the main floor of the theater. These are often the most prized and expensive seats in the theater.
Orchestra
The most traditional stage set-up. The stage is removed from the audience and framed by an arch that separates it from the audience.
Proscenium
A story written specifically for the stage, usually containing one or more characters, dialogue, and a story arc.
The play
The captain of the ship, ultimately responsible for all creative and artistic decisions in the production.
Director:
The time you have to show up for rehearsal or performance, as dictated by your SM. This will either be sent to you via call, text, or email. It is non-negotiable.
Call Time
The second seating tier, usually overhanging the orchestra at its midpoint. Not quite as large as the orchestra, front mezzanine seats are preferred seating for many theater-goers as they allow you to be close to the action while taking in a more complete stage picture.
Mezzanine:
A stage that protrudes directly into the audience, shattering the fourth wall, and allowing seating on three sides of the stage.
Thrust
Similar to a play, only it employs music to aid in the storytelling.
The Musical
Plans and coordinates all aspects of a production, usually puts up and helps raise money to make the show possible.
Producer
The path the actors take onstage as decided upon by the actor and director, and notated by the SM. Once blocking has been solidified, it’s not to be changed for any reason without approval from the director.
Blocking
The third tier of seating, located farthest from the stage.
Balcony:
A circular playing space in which the audience completely surrounds the playing space and the performers.
In the round
The script of the musical: characters, dialogue, etc.
The Book
Responsible for telling the story through Dance
Choreographer
A German word that describes the first time the performers sit and run through the full score with the orchestra. Time is taken to incorporate the two elements until the Music Director is satisfied.
Sitzprobe
Facing the stage, your right is House Right. Your left is House Left.
Stage Directions
RANDOM: Aids in the continuity, clarification, and storytelling of a production. Extremely helpful in period pieces for maintaining authenticity.
Dramaturg
The composer-written music in a musical.
Music
oversees all musical aspects of the production
Music Director
If there is any kind of physical altercation in the production, a specific amount of time will be set prior to half-hour to run this, overseen by SM, to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
Fight call
An invisible dividing “wall” between the stage and audience. Actors will sometimes “break the fourth wall” and interact with or speak directly to the audience.
The fourth wall
RANDOM: A lowered area located directly between the stage and the orchestra section where the musicians perform
Orchestra Pit
The words to the song. Sometimes, this is also the book writer or the composer or a combination of all of the above.
Lyrics
Responsible for all the physical and auditory aspects of the production.
Designers
RANDOM: Sometimes called “the chorus,” members of the ensemble are called upon to sing, dance, and play smaller roles in a musical.
Ensemble