Theatre Terms
the part of the stage that extends past the proscenium line
Apron
The area actors use to get from one side of the stage to the other
Crossover
The area offstage; also where the dressing rooms, callboard and storage areas are located
Backstage
This type of stage has the audience on all three sides creating a more intimate space
Thrust Stage
This type of stage is a large scale auditoria with a central performance area and the audience on all sides. This type of stage is commonly used for sport events such as a basketball game
Arena
The place where the audience sits
House
The white curtain that is used to project colored lights or digital backdrops
Cyclorama
Usually a decorated drape that hides the backstage area
This type of stage has the audience on all sides with a central performance area.
In the Round
This type of stage has a central circular arena surrounded by concentric tiered seating. They often have a deep pit to separate the audience from the arena.
Hippodromes
The curtain that hides the lights on stage
Border
The actors movement onstage and what actors write down in their scripts
Blocking
This term describes the meaning as to how downstage and upstage were created
Raked or Sloped
This type of stage is commonly used in ballrooms or conference centers and the audience is seated in rows directly in front of the stage
Platform stage
This stage involves the audience moving from place to place following the actors and performance.
Promenade
The area backstage used for performers preparing to enter, and storage of sets for scenery changes.
Wings
The curtains used to hide the wings so the actors won’t be seen
Legs
The room where the lights and sound are controlled
This type of stage is outside giving natural lighting and the audience is usually under a covered roof
This type of stage has the audience in front and is known as the picture frame stage
Proscenium
The large curtain that hides the main stage from the audience
Main Curtain
The tape that is used to mark the set pieces on stage for each scene
Spike tape
A bulletin board backstage (or in the classroom) for posting instructions, rehearsal times, etc.
Callboard
Black box
Name the 5 rules backstage
No talking
No phones
No running
No food, gum or drink (besides a closed water bottle)
No touching the curtains/wings