Speaking
The execution of a line at a specific moment to achieve the most telling effect.
What is timing?
One character leaving the stage.
What is exit?
All the stage furnishings, including furniture and those items brought onstage by the actors.
What are props?
Improperly taking attention from an actor who should be the focus of interest.
What is upstaging?
OR
What is stealing a scene?
A small acting part that has no lines.
What is a walk-on?
To emphasize a word or line with extra force.
What is hit?
A distinctive action that serves as a clue to a character's personality.
What is a master gesture?
Items placed onstage for the use or actors.
What are set props?
Getting behind furniture or other actors so that you cannot be seen by the audience.
What is blocking yourself?
The last words, action or technical effect that immediately precedes any line or business; a stage signal.
What is a cue?
The unstated or "between the lines" meaning that an actor must draw from the script.
What is subtext?
Multiple characters leaving the stage together.
What is exeunt?
Small items that are usually carried in an actor's costume, such as money, matches, a pipe, or a pen.
What are personal props?
To draw the maximum response from the audience from comic lines or action.
What is milk?
The body part or feature used by an actor to lead movements; often used to reflect a character's major personality trait.
What is leading center?
The last speech in an act or play, usually humorous or clever.
What is a tag line?
A movement in a direction opposite to another actor's movement to balance the stage picture.
What is a countercross?
Half-sheet pages of a script that contain the lines, cues and business for one character.
What are sides?
To obstruct the view of the audience; use of improvised lines to hide an unexpected, unwanted event during a performance.
What is cover?
Placing furnishings, pictures, and similar items to complete and balance a set, keeping it balanced during the action.
What is dressing the stage?
Using dramatic devices such as increased tempo, volume, and emphasis to bring a scene to a climax.
What is building a scene?
Who and what are onstage when the curtain opens.
What is at rise?
Items such as tools, weapons, or luggage carried onstage by an individual player.
What are hand props?
Waiting for the audience to quiet down after a funny line or scene.
What is holding for laughs?
Giving an actor the freedom to move over the entire stage area, usually during a lengthy speech.
What is taking the stage?