Theatre Tech
Objects used by actors on stage, like furniture, books, or phones.
What are props?
The area where the audience sits during a performance.
What is the house?
The written text of a play, including the dialogue and stage directions.
What is a script?
Acting without a script, making up the words and actions as you go.
What is improvisation? (What is improv?)
The planned movement of actors on stage, like where they walk and stand.
What is blocking?
A flat piece of scenery, like a wall, used to create a set.
What is a flat?
A large painted cloth that hangs at the back of the stage to show where the scene takes place.
What is a backdrop?
A part of a play that takes place in one location or time.
What is a scene?
When an actor stops acting like their character during a performance.
What is breaking character?
When an actor turns their body slightly toward the audience, even if it looks like they’re talking to another actor.
What is cheating out?
To take down the set and remove all scenery and props after a performance.
What is strike?
The front part of the stage, closest to the audience.
What is the apron?
A second audition where actors are asked to perform again.
What is a call-back?
A long speech by one actor in a play, delivered to other actors onstage.
What is a monologue?
When an actor turns their back to the audience.
What is a closed turn?
An actor who learns another actor's role and can perform it if needed.
What is an understudy?
A large, round part of the stage that can spin. It may be used by actors like a treadmill, or by crew to move the set around.
What is a turntable?
When the actors read the script aloud together for the first time.
What is a read through?
Reading a script out loud for the first time, without practice.
What is cold reading?
Acting without speaking or without props, using only gestures and facial expressions.
What is pantomime?
The person who organizes and runs the rehearsals and performances.
What is the stage manager?
The frame around the stage that separates the stage from the audience.
What is the proscenium arch?
Instructions in the script that tell actors where to move and how to say their lines.
What are stage directions?
A speech given by a character alone on stage, revealing their thoughts.
What is a soliloquy?
A frozen picture created by actors on stage.
What is a tableau?