Singers
The lead role
Principal
Writes the music
Composer
Set completely to music; no dialogue. Historical setting, four to Five Acts, large scale cast and orchestra, extravagant staging.
Grand Opera
Assist the Stage Manager by moving scenery and properties or “props” around on stage.
Stage Crew
A recurring melody for a character or idea.
Theme
Usually lead roles
Soprano and Tenor
The text
Libretto
Serious Opera based on ancient history.
Opera seria
Ensures that the artists really look the part and that everyone can see the features even to the last row in the opera house.
Makeup Artist
Large division of an opera containing certain plot elements.
Act
Medium supporting roles
Mezzo-soprano and Baritone
Writes the Libretto
Librettist
Comic Opera set completely to music. Light-hearted and funny.
Opéra buffe
Works from a sound table in the theatre. She/he operates the floor microphones and adjusts the sound.
Sound Engineer
Small division of an opera setting the place where an action or event occurs.
Scene
Low supporting roles
Contralto and Bass
Score
Contains all the instrumental and vocal parts
German Opera with spoken dialogue between the music. Employs elements of fantasy and magic.
Singspiel
Works in a booth in the theater, directs the positioning of the lights, and then operates the lights during a show.
Master Electrician
Fills intervals between scenes.
Incidental Music
The entire cast
Chorus
Aria
A solo
A light-hearted short opera, usually with spoken dialogue.
Operetta
Accompanies the artists as they rehearse the opera. This job also entails serving as a coach and assisting the artists with language and musical preparation.
Rehearsal Pianist
The final scene of an Act.
Finale