Theater Vocabulary
What is the area where the actors perform called?
The stage
What does “stage left” mean?
The actor’s left side while facing the audience
What is projection in theater?
Speaking loudly and clearly so the audience can hear
Who directs the actors and controls the performance?
The director
What type of play is meant to make the audience laugh?
Comedy
What do you call the written text actors read from?
A script
What does “upstage” mean?
The area farthest from the audience
What does an actor use to show emotions besides words?
Facial expressions and body language
What are costumes?
Clothes worn by actors during a performance
What type of play tells a serious story with conflict and emotion?
Tragedy or drama
What is a monologue?
A long speech given by one character
What direction tells an actor to leave the stage?
Exit
What is pantomime?
Acting without speaking
What are props?
Objects actors use on stage
What is a musical?
A play that includes songs and dancing
What is dialogue?
Conversation between two or more characters
What does “downstage” mean?
The area closest to the audience
Why is memorization important in acting?
So actors can perform smoothly without reading lines
What is scenery or set design?
Backgrounds and structures used to create the setting
What is the main problem in a story called?
Conflict
What is improvisation?
Acting without a script or making it up on the spot
What is a stage direction?
instructions in a script telling actors where to move or how to act
What is characterization?
The way an actor creates and develops a character
What job does the stage manager have?
Organizing rehearsals and helping run the show backstage
What is the climax of a play?
The most exciting or important part of the story