words
The science of sound as applied to theaters, relating to how sound travels and reverberates.
acoustics
Bodily movements, large or small, which indicate what a person is thinking or feeling.
body language
An actor’s ability to sense when he or she is properly placed in respect to stage lighting.
finding your light
nstructions, usually regarding changes in an actor’s blocking or performance, given after a rehearsal by the director, music director, choreographer, or stage manager.
notes
As a noun, the physical design of the stage area within which the actors perform; as a verb, to make permanent the way in which a scene is being played.
set
—A failing of some actors who seem to be too slow or too fast in responding to action or dialogue onstage.
anti-timing*
what MR. scott does in plays
director
A theatrical production that fails to draw an audience, regardless of whether the critics liked it or not.
flop
The speed at which a scene is played.
pace
The side of the stage that is to the actor’s left as he or she faces the audience.
stage left
As a noun, the opportunity for an actor to display his or her talents when seeking a role in an upcoming production of a play; as a verb, to give a brief performance at such an occasion.
audition
out of place Laugh
breaking-up
A theater in which the audience is seated on all four sides of a central stage.
in-the-round
A deliberate pause within or between lines, used by an actor to call special attention to a moment.
pausing for effect
The side of the stage that is to the actor’s right as he or she faces the audience.
stage right
The entire area behind the stage of a theater, including dressing rooms.
backstage
A request that an actor return for an additional audition
call-back
Gestures, facial expressions, and vocal tricks that a particular actor uses again and again in different roles.
mannerisms
The classic theater arrangement, with a curtained stage facing an audience on one side.
proscenium stage*
—A stage that projects outward, with the audience seated on three sides.
thrust stage
Stage movements by actors, including entrances, exits, and any steps taken in any direction across the stage.
blocking
An audition open to anyone, regardless of experience.
cattle call—
An internalized form of acting that uses experiences from an actor’s personal life to help produce onstage emotion. bouns 1009
Method acting*
A tilted performing area, usually specially constructed, with its upstage space raised higher than the downstage space.
raked stage*
The elimination of an actor during auditions because of such obvious features as height, weight, or age.
typed-out*