Theatre Review

Stage/Terminology

100

What does "downstage" and "upstage" mean, and why do actors use these terms?

Downstage is the area closest to the audience, while upstage is the area farthest from the audience.

200

What is improvisation?

Improvisation (or "improv") is the act of creating and performing something spontaneously without a script or prior planning.

300

Define "blocking" and explain why it's important in a theatre production.

Blocking is the planned movement and positioning of actors on stage during a scene or performance. It's important because it helps actors know where to stand, when to move, and how to interact with other performers.

400

What are the nine stage positions.

The nine stage positions are: downstage left (DSL), downstage center (DSC), downstage right (DSR), stage left (SL), center stage (C), stage right (SR), upstage left (UL), upstage center (UC), and upstage right (UR).

500

What is the difference between a proscenium stage and a thrust stage?

Proscenium stage audience sits on 1 side and stage is on the other and thrust audience sits on all 3 sides

Scene/Voice

100

What is a monologue, and what makes a good monologue for an audition?

A monologue is a long speech delivered by one character, often expressing their thoughts, feelings, or story.

200

What should you do while performing?

While performing, you should always: stay in character, listen and react to your scene partners, project your voice so the audience can hear you, follow blocking and technical cues, and connect emotionally with the material and audience.

300

Define articulation and explain why it's essential for theatre performers.

Articulation is the clear and precise pronunciation of words and sounds. It's essential for theatre performers because the audience must understand every word being spoken.

400

What is projection, and how can an actor project without shouting?

Projection is the ability to make your voice heard throughout the theatre without using a microphone. An actor can project without shouting by using proper breath support from the diaphragm.

500

What do you say at the end of your audition to let the director know you're done?

Scene

Tech/Roles

100

What are the 4 main responsibilities of a stage manager during a production?

A stage manager's main responsibilities include: (1) running the show by calling all technical and actor cues, (2) maintaining the script and blocking notes, (3) coordinating communication between actors, crew, and designers, (4) ensuring all props and set pieces are in place

200

Explain the difference between lighting design, sound design, and set design.

• Lighting design involves creating and controlling the lights used on stage to set mood, highlight action, and guide the audience's attention.
• Sound design involves creating and managing all audio elements, including music, sound effects, and actor amplification.
• Set design involves creating the physical environment (scenery, props, furniture) where the action takes place.

300

Describe the responsibilities of a director, a playwright, and a stage manager in a theatre production.

• Director: Interprets the script, makes artistic choices, guides actors' performances, collaborates with designers, and oversees the overall creative vision of the production.
• Playwright: Writes the script, develops characters and dialogue, and creates the story and themes that the production is based on.
• Stage Manager: Runs the technical aspects of the show, calls cues, maintains blocking and timing, coordinates backstage activity, and ensures smooth performances.

400

What is the difference between a lead role, a supporting role, and an ensemble role?

• Lead role: The main character(s) who drive the plot and have the most stage time and lines.
• Supporting role: Secondary characters who interact with the lead and contribute to the story but have less stage time.
• Ensemble role: Actors who play multiple minor characters or are part of a group (like a chorus) that supports the main action. Ensemble members often have fewer individual lines but are essential to the production's overall effect.

500

What is the difference between a producer and a marketing manager?

Producers pay for the show, marketing managers advertise it.

Careers/History

100

What should go on an acting resume?

An acting resume should include: (1) your name, phone number, and email, (2) your headshot, (3) physical description (height, weight, hair/eye color), (4) theatre experience (roles, theatres, directors), (5) film and TV credits, (6) training and classes, (7) special skills (singing, dancing, accents, etc.), (8) agent information (if applicable), and (9) references or a link to your reel.

200

Name three famous plays written by Shakespeare and identify whether they are tragedies, comedies, or histories.

• Tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet
• Comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night
• Histories: Henry V, Henry VIII, Richard III, Julius Caesar

300

List five different theatre careers (besides actor) and describe what each person does.

1. Director: Interprets the script and guides the artistic vision of the production.
2. Stage Manager: Runs the show and coordinates all technical and backstage elements.
3. Set Designer: Creates the physical environment and scenery for the production.
4. Lighting Designer: Designs and controls all lighting for the show.
5. Costume Designer: Creates or selects costumes that reflect character and time period.

400

Describe the Globe Theatre — what was it like, and who performed there?

The Globe Theatre was an open-air theatre built in London in 1599. It was a circular or octagonal structure with three levels of seating and a pit area (the "groundlings") where standing audience members watched for a lower price. The stage extended into the audience, creating an intimate experience. William Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), performed Shakespeare's plays there. The Globe could hold around 3,000 people and was destroyed by fire in 1613.

500

Name 3 other time periods in Theatre.

Answers can vary

Acting/Playwriting

100

What is a cast of characters?

A cast of characters is a list at the beginning of a script that names all the characters in the play and provides brief descriptions of who they are.

200

What are acts in a script?

Acts are the major divisions of a play that break the story into manageable sections.

300

What is Stanislavski's method?

Stanislavski's method is an acting technique developed by Russian director Constantin Stanislavski. Actors using this method: (1) analyze their character's background and motivations, (2) use personal emotional memories to connect with the character's feelings, (3) find the "truth" in every moment, and (4) focus on the character's objectives and obstacles. The goal is to make the character's emotions and actions feel genuine and believable to the audience.

400

What is a cue and why is it important to follow it?

A cue is a signal — either a line of dialogue, a sound, a light change, or a physical action — that tells an actor or crew member when to perform their next action.

500

Name 3 plays and 3 musicals.

Answers can vary