A light left burning overnight on stage to keep friendly spirits
illuminated and to keep unfriendly spirits at bay. Also believed to
keep the theatrical “muse” in a dark theatre and to stop people
from tripping when they come into the dark theatre.
Ghost lights
A recess or temporary stopping of action, usually about halfway through a play.
Intermission
The start of the run of a show in a venue.
(Properties) Furnishings, set dressings, and all items large and
small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or wardrobe.
Props handled by actors are known as hand props, props which
are kept in an actors costume are known as PERSONAL PROPS.
Props
1) The audience (eg 'How big is the house tonight ?')
2) The auditorium (eg 'The house is now open, please do not cross the stage')
House
Drape set as masking piece at the side of the acting area. Usually
set up in pairs across the stage and used in conjunction with
borders to frame the audiences view.
Legs
Lowered area in front of a stage where an orchestra accompanies
the performers.
Orchestra Pit
Lights that illuminate the audience's part of a theater or other
auditorium.
House Lights
A dramatic speech by a single actor.
Monologue
Orchestral music at the beginning of an opera or musical.
Overture
A performance given without planning or preparation.
Improvisation
A character's goal or intention.
The main characters in a play or a musical.
Principals
Variety in speech reflecting changing thoughts and emotions.
Inflection
Off/On Book
To give lines to an actor who has forgotten them.
Prompt