Story Elements
The main idea or underlying message of a play. It reflects the deeper meaning behind the characters’ actions and the story’s events
Theme
The final rehearsal where actors wear their costumes and all elements of the performance are put together, often performed in full as if it were a real show
Dress Rehearsal
A diagram or plan that details where lights are placed and their effects on stage, including changes in intensity and color throughout the performance
Lighting Plot
A type of stage that thrusts out into the audience; the audience surrounds 3 sides of the stage
Thrust
The imaginary barrier between the audience and the actors on stage. Breaking it means acknowledging the audience or interacting with them directly
Fourth Wall
The central struggle or problem faced by characters in a play. It drives the plot and helps to develop the story
Conflict
A rehearsal focused on integrating all technical elements (lighting, sound, set) with the actors’ performances to ensure everything works together seamlessly
Technical Rehearsal
A detailed plan that outlines what each character wears in each scene, helping to ensure consistency and appropriateness for the setting
Costume Plot
A type of stage where the audience surrounds the stage and the performers on ALL sides
In-The-Round
The transformation or growth of a character throughout the play. It shows how a character evolves in response to events and conflicts
Character Arc
The sense of anticipation or suspense in a scene, created through conflict, dramatic situations, or unresolved issues
Tension
Small actions or gestures that actors perform on stage to add realism or highlight character traits, such as adjusting clothing or handling props
Stage Business
The process of creating or selecting objects to be held and used by the actors that are not only functional but also aesthetically aligned with the play’s style and setting
Props Design
Traditional, front-facing stage; usually involves a curtain that opens and closes to reveal the picture on stage (think: picture frame or TV set; audience sits opposite of the stage)
Proscenium
The reasons behind a character’s actions and decisions. Understanding this helps actors portray characters more authentically
Character Motivation
The speed at which the action of a play unfolds. Effective pacing keeps the audience engaged and ensures that scenes transition smoothly
Pacing
A rehearsal technique where actors and crew go directly from one cue or technical element to the next, skipping through scenes to focus on transitions
Cue-to-Cue
The creation and arrangement of all auditory elements in a production, including background music, sound effects, and the acoustics of the performance space
Sound Design
An extended speech by 1 single actor, delivered to other characters or the audience
Monologue
A recurring element, such as a theme, symbol, or action, that has significance in the play and contributes to its overall meaning or message
Motif
A performance style where actors work collaboratively as a group, emphasizing the importance of the collective performance rather than individual roles
Ensemble Acting
The lights that illuminate the audience area, typically dimmed or turned off when the performance begins and restored after the show
House Lights
A type of extended speech by 1 single actor where the character is alone, talking to themself, usually revealing the character's inner thoughts