Types
On Stage
Behind the Scenes
Stage Elements
Potpourri
100

A stage production that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance to tell a story. SUFFS is an example of a...

Musical

100

Actors playing the main characters and supporting characters who have the most prominent lines and solos

Principals

100

Oversees the show from backstage. Calls cues and communicates with all departments.

Stage manager

100

The center of the acting area

Center stage

100

The larger, built environment of a theater production including the walls, floors, and overall structure

Set

200

A stage production that includes action and dialogue but no singing or dancing. 

Drama

200

A performer who learns the role of a main actor in a play or musical so they can take over if the main actor is unable to perform due to illness or other reasons

Understudy

200

Creates the soundscape for the show.

Sound designer

200

The part of the stage farthest from the audience.

Upstage

200

Smaller, movable objects that actors interact with or that furnish the set

Props

300

A dramatic work told entirely through music, where characters sing their lines instead of speaking them. Often heard on birthdays in AL4.

Opera

300

Performers who sing and dance in unison, may play multiple smaller roles, and often provide vocal and physical energy for the show.

Ensemble

300

Finds, creates, and organizes all props.

Head Props

300

The offstage areas to the left and right of the stage where actors and scenery can be hidden. 

Wings

300

The precise movements and positioning of actors on stage.

Blocking

400

Entertainment consisting of jokes and satirical sketches, intended to make an audience laugh

Comedy

400

A cover for a lead or star role, often not a performer in the show. They are on call to replace the lead if necessary.

Standby

400

Designs and oversees construction of the set/stage scenery.

Set Designer/Technical Director

400

The part of the stage that extends beyond the curtain, closer to the audience.

Apron

400

According to Brennan, these are three choices an actor can make when building a character

Motivation, Body, Voice
500

A performance dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character.

Tragedy

500

A versatile performer who learns many ensemble tracks. They go on if an ensemble member is out due to illness or injury.

Swing

500

Assist with set changes and other backstage tasks during the show.

Set Crew/Stage Crew/Stage Hands/Deck Crew

500

The "picture frame" that separates the stage from the audience.

Proscenium Arch

500

According to Brennan, these are 3 aspects of character motivation

Objective, Obstacle, Action