D
The science of sound as applied to theaters, relating to how sound travels and reverberates.
Acoustics
Out-of-place laughter by an actor on stage
Breaking-up
The start of a performance, whether or not an actual curtain exists in front of the stage
Curtain up
The area of the stage closest to the audience
Downstage
A speech used by an actor to demonstrate his or her ability at an audition
Monologue
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
Audition
A request that an actor return for an additional audition
Call-back
The lower part of the lungs, filling the abdominal space, that supports the voice when actors and singers breath correctly on stage
Diaphragm
A theatrical production that fails to draw an audience, regardless of whether the critics liked it or not
Flop
When an actor knows his or her lines and no longer needs to carry the script
Off-book
The entire area behind the stage of a theater, including dressing rooms
Backstage
An audition open to anyone, regardless of experience
Cattle call
Clear, sharp pronunciation of words, especially of consonants
Diction
An actor who gives a very broad or exaggerated performance
Ham
The area immediately behind or to the sides of the stage area; also used more genenally to talk about an actor's everyday life
Offstage
Stage movements by actors, including entrances, exits, and any steps taken in any direction across the stage
Delivering a speech or acting a scene at an audition without having read it beforehand
Cold reading
The person charged with staging a play or musical, who coordinates all onstage aspects of the production, including the performances of the actors
Director
Gestures, facial expressions, and vocal tricks that a particular actor uses again and again in different roles
Mannerisms
The speed at which a scene is played
Pace
Bodily movements, large or small, which indicate what a person is thinking or feeling
Body language
A line of dialogue, action, or sound, onstage or off, that tells an actor it is time to enter, exit, move across stage, or most commonly begin speaking
Cue
An exaggerated facial response to another actor's words or actions, usually used for comic effect
Double-take
An actor's ability to sound and/or look like someone else, usually a famous person
Mimicry
A deliberate pause within or between lines, used by an actor to call special attention to a moment
Pausing for effect