Acting Vocabulary
What is a monologue?
A long speech by one character in a play, film, or performance.
Who is known as the “Father of Modern Acting”?
Konstantin Stanislavski.
What is a backstory and why is it important?
A character’s history before the play starts — it helps actors understand motivation and behavior.
What is projection in acting?
Speaking loudly and clearly enough for the audience to hear without shouting.
Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?
William Shakespeare.
Define objective in acting.
A character’s goal or what they want to achieve in a scene.
In which country did Western theatre originate?
Ancient Greece
What’s the difference between internal and external character work?
Internal is emotional and psychological preparation; external is physical choices like voice, movement, and costume.
Why is articulation important?
It makes speech clear and understandable for the audience.
Name a famous play by August Wilson.
Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson
What is subtext?
The underlying meaning behind a character’s words or actions — what they really mean but don’t say directly.
During which historical period did Shakespeare write?
The Elizabethan Era (late 1500s to early 1600s)
What does it mean to raise the stakes in a scene?
To increase the intensity, importance, or consequences of the situation for the character.
Name one voice warm-up and one body warm-up.
Voice: tongue twisters, humming, breath exercises. Body: stretches, shaking out, walking exercises.
What is the main conflict in A Raisin in the Sun?
A Black family struggles with racism, identity, and dreams while trying to improve their lives.
What’s the difference between blocking and staging?
Blocking is the planned movement of actors on stage; staging is the overall arrangement of actors, set, and action in a scene.
Name one of the three types of plays performed in Ancient Greece.
Tragedy, Comedy, or Satyr Play
Name two things actors should research when preparing a role.
The time period, setting, social class, relationships, or character’s background.
What is status and how can actors show it physically?
A character’s level of power or importance; shown through posture, space, eye contact, and movement.
Name one modern Broadway musical and its composer or lyricist.
Hamilton – Lin-Manuel Miranda
Wicked – Stephen Schwartz
Dear Evan Hansen – Pasek & Paul
What does it mean to stay in character?
Continuing to think, speak, and behave as your character would — even if something unexpected happens.
What was the purpose of the chorus in Greek theatre?
To comment on the action, provide background, and express public opinion or emotion.
What is a super-objective?
A character’s overall goal or driving desire throughout the entire play.
Explain the relationship between breath and emotion in acting.
Breath controls voice and connects to feelings — changes in breathing reflect emotional states.
What is the central theme of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible?
Mass hysteria, reputation, and the dangers of false accusations.