Theatre Vocabulary
This word means the play’s script, including dialogue and stage directions.
What is a script?
The area closest to the audience is called this.
What is downstage?
Speaking clearly so the audience understands you.
What is articulation?
The respectful way to behave when watching a live performance.
What is theatre etiquette?
This is the person in charge of designing the scenery.
Who is the set designer?
The imaginary wall between actors and audience.
What is the fourth wall?
If an actor moves to their right, it is called this direction.
What is stage right?
The volume and strength of an actor’s voice onstage.
What is projection?
You should never do this during a performance, as it distracts actors and audience members.
What is use your phone (or talk)?
A visual representation of how the stage will look from above.
What is a ground plan?
The person responsible for the artistic vision of a production.
Who is the director?
This stage direction means toward the backstage wall farthest from the audience.
What is upstage?
Stanislavski’s technique encourages actors to use their own experiences to connect to a role.
What is emotional recall (or affective memory)?
The first rule of working backstage or in the shop is to keep this area free from clutter.
What is a clear pathway (or clear the stage)?
This person controls the light and sound cues during a performance.
Who is the stage manager?
When an actor speaks directly to the audience, unheard by other characters.
What is an aside?
A stage surrounded by the audience on three sides is called this.
What is a thrust stage?
The imaginary “bubble” around a character that sets their physical presence onstage.
What is personal space (or sphere of attention)?
This phrase, often said before moving scenery or starting work, warns others of possible danger.
What is “Heads up!”?
The area behind the stage, hidden from the audience.
What is backstage?
The set of movements, gestures, and physical actions an actor uses to create a character.
What is blocking?
This is the actor’s right/left, not the audience’s, when determining stage directions.
What is the actor’s perspective?
Adjusting to unexpected events onstage without breaking character is called this.
What is improvisation?
This is why actors should never eat or drink (except water) while in costume.
What is to prevent damage or stains to costumes?
The adjustable lighting equipment used to focus beams on actors or scenery.
What is a spotlight?