ACTING BASICS
What is blocking?
Planned movement on stage
What do we call the written text with all the dialogue of a play?
A script
What do we call using your body to communicate without words?
Physical expression / body language
What is projection?
Speaking loudly and clearly without yelling
Why is trust important in acting and improv?
It allows actors to take risks and support each other
Why is listening just as important as speaking in acting?
It helps actors respond truthfully and stay present
What is a monologue?
A long speech by one character
Why is posture important on stage?
It shows confidence, character, and emotion
What does diction mean?
Clear pronunciation of words
What is ensemble work?
Actors working together as a team/cast
What does it mean to “stay in character”?
To remain true to the character’s behavior, emotions, and choices
What does “upstage” mean?
Farther away from the audience
How can movement help show character traits?
Through pace, gestures, and physical habits
Why is paying attention to your breathing important for speaking on stage?
It supports volume and control
Why is focus important during improv?
It keeps scenes believable and connected
What is the technical theatre term for the area where the audience sits?
The House
What is a cue?
A signal for an actor or technician to act
What does it mean to “cheat out”?
Turn your body slightly toward the audience
What is articulation?
How clearly sounds and words are formed
What should you do if you forget a line during a scene?
Stay in character and keep going
What is an actor’s goal in a scene called?
Objective
What is subtext?
The unspoken meaning beneath the words
What is stage presence?
How strongly an actor commands attention on stage
Name two ways an actor can make their voice more expressive
Pitch, pace, volume, tone (any two)
What does “Yes, And” mean in improv?
Accepting and adding to a partner’s idea