The line or action that triggers another line or action.
A Cue
100
The events of a play; the story as opposed to the theme; what happens rather than what it means.
The plot
100
What the play means rather than what happens in it.
The theme
200
The person or force working against the protagonist in a play.
The antagonist.
200
A group of performers who work together as a team to create a total effect rather than individual performances.
An ensemble.
200
A story, speech, or scene performed by one actor.
A monologue.
200
A type of dramatic literature containing music, song and movement.
A musical.
200
The principal around whom the action revolves.
The protagonist.
300
The clear and precise pronunciation of words.
Articulation.
300
The conversation between actors on stage.
Dialogue.
300
A spontaneous style of theatre through which scenes are created without advance rehearsal or script.
Improvisation.
300
The highness or lowness of voice.
Pitch.
300
Rehearsing without a script.
Off Book.
400
The middle part of the plot leading to the climax.
Rising action.
400
The information put before an audience that gives the where, when, why, and who facts of a play.
The exposition.
400
The final rehearsal prior to opening night in which the show is run with full technical elements.
Dress rehearsal.
400
A struggle between two opposing forces.
The conflict.
400
A time in which actors demonstrate their abilities in order to try out for a play.
Audition.
500
The coordination of actors' movements on stage.
Blocking.
500
Acting area closest to the audience.
Downstage.
500
Established characters, such as young lovers, neighborhood busybodies, sneaky villians, and overprotective fathers, that are immediately recognizable by an audience.
Stock Character.
500
The purification or purgation of the emotions (such as puty, fear, grief, etc.) affected in a work of tragedy.