Theatre Terminology
This term refers to the area where actors perform their roles in a theater.
What is the stage?
This type of stage has a proscenium arch framing the performance area, with the audience seated directly in front. It is the most common type of stage.
What is a proscenium?
This term refers to the area of the stage that is closest to the audience.
What is downstage?
This term describes the person responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of a theater production.
What is the stage manager?
This stage configuration features a stage that extends into the audience area, surrounded by seating on three sides.
What is a thrust?
Actors in this position are facing away from the audience.
What is full back?
This term refers to the part of the stage closest to the audience in a proscenium theatre.
What is the apron?
This stage design allows the audience to view the performance from multiple angles, often with seating on all sides of the stage.
What is an arena?
This term describes the part of the stage directly in the middle.
What is center stage?
This term describes the practice of removing a set piece or prop from the stage after the final performance.
What is striking?
This stage seats the audience on two opposite sides of the stage.
What is an ally?
This term describes the two areas off stage left and off stage right.
What are the wings?
This term refers to a small-scale model of a set, used by directors and designers during the production planning process.
What is a scale model or maquette?
This type of theater is often performed in unconventional spaces such as abandoned buildings, warehouses, or outdoors.
What is site-specific theatre?
This term refers to when an actor faces slightly towards the audience so they aren't in a profile.
What is cheating out?