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Feb 15, 2022 · To make it in the theater, you'll need to master the lingo. From blocking to standby, here are 60+ theater terms and definitions all actors should know.
- JV Mercanti
These preview performances act as an opportunity for the production team and cast of the show to perform in front of an audience, but before the show is ready to be critiqued. The opening night, or press night, then provides the critics with an opportunity to see the show.
- Ad Lib
- Artistic Director
- Audition
- Beginners
- Broadway
- Colour-Blind Casting
- Conservatoire
- Ed Fringe
- Ensemble
- Flys
From Latin phrase 'Ad libitum' which translates to 'at one's pleasure'. For an Actor to speak and move in character without direction or following the script. Often used if a mistake is made and the actor improvises to get back to the script
Someone who oversees the artistic programme of the theatre as well as managing funding, budgets and staff
A type of interview for a Performer to showcase their talents and check their suitability for a role
The call given to Actors five minutes before the start of the performance to ensure they are in position
The American equivalent of the West End, located in Manhattan, New York. A central area for performances such as plays and musicals
Casting an Actor for their ability over what their appearance is. Often used for characters where race, gender or ethnicity is not mentioned in the play
A drama school or performing arts training institution with conservatoire status, meaning training is particularly intensive
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August, with a large number of performances at different venues across the city.
A group of Actors who play background roles and appear in multiple scenes, can also be used to refer to an entire theatre company
The rigging system made up of ropes and pulleys that enables Stage Crew to quickly move large pieces of scenery
Theatre Terms. As a service to the theatre community, AACT provides over 1000 definitions of theatrical terms. Fully searchable, our glossary is helpful for technical staff, directors, actors, producers, or anyone wanting to better understand the inner workings of theatre.
TermDefinitionABOVE1) Elizabethan stage directions for a ...ABSTRACT SETTINGA stage setting that is stylized rather ...ACCENT LIGHTINGLighting that stresses certain stage ...ACNAdvanced Control Network. Show control ...Cue to Cue: One of the tech rehearsals before opening night when the technicians set their lights and sound. Usually involves a lot of standing around for the actors as they move from scene to scene and from cue to cue without full dialogue as the tech crew and director ensure that they are properly lit and properly heard.
FIRST NIGHT The opening night of a theatre performance often has a largely invited audience of people connected with the show but not directly involved in it (financial backers, contractors etc.)
• General terms – terms that are representative of those used in mainstream theatre practice • Specialist technical terms – terms that are used by specialists in lighting and sound. The terms in both sections are ordered alphabetically.
