Stage Terms
Acting/Script Terms
Movement Terms
Stage Terms Double
Acting/Script Terms Double
100
The act of entering the acting area during a performance
What is Entrance
100
A silent stage picture of a scene
What is tableau
100
To cross away from the centre of the stage.
What is move out
100
The side areas of the stage often used for entrances and exits.
What is wings
100
The goal towards which the character is trying to achieve.
What is objective
200
Specific areas on stage that may represent different locations in a play.
What is Acting areas
200
Acting without words.
What is mime
200
To stand in front of someone, an object, or a movement so that the audience cannot see it.
What is Cover/masking
200

Imaginary lines from the audience to the stage. They can either be good or bad.

Sight lines

200
Words spoken by an actor so that the audience can hear them but other actors cannot.
What is aside
300
The area behind the set or backdrop that is not seen from the audience.
What is backstage
300
a part of a dialogue in which one person speaks many consecutive lines but are speaking to someone on or off stage.
What is monologue
300
Longer route used to indicate indecision, casualness
What is curved cross
300

The invisible wall through which the audience watches the action of the play.

The fourth wall

300
Notes added to the script of a play by the playwright in italics that provide how a line could be read, business, blocking, or effects.
What is stage directions
400
The parts of the theatre used by the audience.
What is front of house
400
A scene created without a script.
What is Improvisation
400
Standing upstage of another actor, forcing him or her to face away from the audience in order to exchange dialogue.
What is upstaging
400

The picture frame that frames the wall through which the audience watches the action of the play.

The proscenium arch

400
The continuous conflict between characters or the clash of forces in a play.
What is Dramatic action
500

The part of the stage that holds the greatest focus.

What is Centerstage

500
To control the loudness of your voice so that all members of the audience can hear the dialogue.
What is projection
500

To move upstage behind a person or prop. To move downstage in front of a person or prop.

What is cross above/cross below

500

To say something that is not specifically given in the script.

Ad-lib or Impromtu

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