Theater Vocabulary
What is the written script of a play called?
Script
What direction means moving toward the audience?
Downstage
What do we call the people in a story?
Characters
What skill involves using facial expressions and body movement?
Pantomime / Body language
What is a person who performs in a play called?
An actor
What do we call the instructions in a script that tell actors what to do?
Stage directions
What does “stage left” mean?
The actor’s left when facing the audience
What is the main problem in a play called?
Conflict
What acting skill involves speaking clearly and loudly?
Projection / Vocal clarity
What do we call the people who watch a play?
The audience
What is the conversation between characters called?
Dialogue
What direction means moving away from the audience?
Upstage
What is the sequence of events in a play called?
Plot
What skill helps actors pretend to be someone else?
Characterization
What is the practice of learning lines and blocking before a performance called?
Rehearsal
What is the list of characters at the beginning of a script called?
Cast of characters
What direction means crossing the stage from one side to another?
Cross
What is the turning point or most intense moment in a play called?
Climax
What skill helps actors remember lines and movements?
Memorization
Who is responsible for guiding actors and making decisions about the performance?
The director
What is a play meant to make the audience laugh called?
Comedy
What direction means moving closer to center stage?
Move toward center stage
What is the message or lesson of a play called?
Theme
What skill helps actors react naturally to other actors?
Improvisation / Reacting
What is the first performance of a play in front of an audience called?
The opening night.