Parts of the Stage
The curtain hanging downstage that opens and closes.
What is the grand drape?
This acting skill expresses ideas and emotions without using words by using body language and facial expressions.
What is non-verbal communication?
A theatrical style or genre where most characters die in the end. Most specifically, the main character(s).
What is a tragedy?
Why am I doing what I'm doing?
What is my motivation?
This is the strongest stage body position as the actor is completely facing the audience.
What is full front?
The area off-stage on both sides of the stage.
What are the wings?
A theatrical representation of a scene where actors or models pose silently and without moving.
What is a tableau?
A genre that includes plays with stories that are made for younger audiences. They sometimes use mythical or fairy tale type characters.
What are children's plays?
What do I want?
What's my objective?
This position shows the actor turned completely away from the audience, and the character has essentially "checked out" of the scene.
What is full back?
The space where live musicians sit to play their instruments for the production.
What is the orchestra pit?
A spontaneous style of theatre using unrehearsed and unscripted acting scenes.
What is improvisation?
A theatrical genre where the characters tell the story through song and dance.
What is a musical?
What are the results of my actions?
What is the outcome?
This body position shows the actor turning completely to the side. It is not usually a strong position because the audience members cannot see or hear the actor clearly.
What is profile left and profile right?
A hidden entrance or exit on the stage.
What is the trapdoor?
The theatrical artform of using movement and facial expressions rather than spoken word to communicate.
What is pantomime?
This genre of theatre focuses on serious subject matter.
What is a drama?
What's in the way of reaching my goal?
What is the obstacle?
These positions are fairly open, and are also strong positions. Great for when two performers “share” a scene.
What are 1/4 right and 1/4 left?
The short curtains that hide the lighting fixtures above the stage.
What are the teasers?
This style of acting is usually abstract and stylized. It gives the illusion of an action.
What is mime?
This theatre genre focuses on an investigation to find clues, interview witnesses, and solve a puzzle.
What is a mystery?
What do I stand to lose or gain?
What are the stakes?
Positions where actors are turned at an angle upstage, either left or right. These are weak positions, and the audience cannot hear the actor clearly.
What is 3/4 left and 3/4 right?