Basic Theatre Vocabulary and Conventions

 Vocabulary

1. character - a fictional person in a play

2. actor - a real person who pretends to be a character

3. set - the things (walls, furniture, doors, windows etc.) placed on a stage to create the illusion of an actual place

4. prop - objects that actors use to portray a character (balls, swords, books etc.)

5. cue - a signal for something to happen, or a change in lights or sound

6. lines - spoken words

7. subtext -what the character is thinking when they speak a line

8. blocking - planned physical stage movement

9. cross -to move across the stage

10. focus - the center of the audience's attention

11. upstaging - distracting the audience by calling attention away from the focus

12. cheating - turning towards the audience so that they can see your face

13. proscenium - the arch that frames the stage

14. backstage - any area behind, next to , or close to the stage that should not be seen

15. wings - the backstage sides where most entrances are made from

16. apron - the stage floor in font of the curtain

17. house - the audience areas

 

 Theatrical Conventions

1. The Show Must Go On!

2. Never let the audience see or hear you unless you are performing.

3. Everyone is responsible for the success of the performance.

4. There are no small parts, only small actors.

5. Rehearsal, not performance, is the time for experimentation.

6. '"Don't be messin' with stuff that ain't yours!"

7. Think safety at all times; stages can be dangerous.

8. Respectable Rehearsals lead to Respectable performances.

 

The Theatrical Team

Actors, set builders, light crew, sound crew, stage crew, director, producer, audience.

 

Actors Must:

1. attend all rehearsals on time.

2. learn their lines word for word by the assigned date.

3. write down blocking as it is assigned.

4. be consistent in action and energy.

5. communicate effectively to the audience.

6. assist crew members if possible.

7. perform!