THEATRE FAST FACTS
Theatre Vocabulary
Apron – The area of the stage that extends toward the audience, in front of the main curtain
Backstage – The space behind the acting area, unseen by the audience
Balcony – An upper floor of seats that project out over the main seating area of a theater
Character – The role played by an actor as he or she assumes another’s identity
Conflict – The problem or incident that creates the action and is resolved by the end of the play
Costume – The carefully selected or specially designed clothing worn by the actors
Cross – The actor’s movement from one stage location to another
Cue – The last words or action of an actor immediately preceding the lines or business of another actor
Dialogue – The stage conversation between characters
Director – The person who oversees the entire process of staging a theatrical production
Downstage – The part of the stage closest to the audience. At one time stages were raked, or sloped, with the lower (“down”) part closest to the audience, and the higher (“up”) part further away
Ensemble – A cast of actors working together effectively to present a theatrical performance
Plot – The storyline: beginning (the setting, characters, and problem), middle (how the characters work to solve the problem), and the ending (resolution of the problem)
Project – To speak loudly so the entire audience can hear you
Props – All the stage furnishings, including furniture, that are physically used by the actors
Script – The text of the play, including dialogue and stage directions, all written by the playwright
Set – All of the scenery that makes up the physical environment of the world of the play
Stage Left – The part of the stage to the actor’s left when the actor faces the audience
Stage Manager – The person who supervises the physical production of a play and who is in charge of the stage during the performance
Stage Right – The part of the stage to the actor’s right when the actor faces the audience
Strike – Dismantling the set, costumes, and props at the end of the run of a show
Theme – The central thought, idea, or significance of the action of a play
Upstage – The area of the stage farthest way from the audience and nearest to the back wall
Did You Know?
The first actors were from ancient Greece. They wore masks to show their emotions. Today we use comedy and tragedy masks as a symbol for theatre.
Break A Leg!
Although the origin of the saying is unknown, well-wishers typically say “break a leg” to actors to wish them luck before they go on stage to perform. In the theatre, wishing a person “good luck” is actually considered bad luck.