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Theatre Terms
Theatre Terms
34
Other
8th Grade
09/01/2011

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Term
counter
Definition
To cross in the opposite direction of another actor.
Term
principal character
Definition
Main named character.
Term
ensemble
Definition
Unnamed characters.
Term
cast
Definition
As a verb, the process of choosing an actor to play a particular role. As a noun, it can also refer to an entire group of actors chosen to represent characters in a performance.
Term
monologue
Definition
A long speech by a single actor, usually communicating feelings or emotions.
Term
props (properties)
Definition
Items an actor would carry on stage.
Term
set
Definition
The pieces that determine location of a scene.
Term
upstage
Definition
To steal the audience focus from an actor or scene.
Term
cue
Definition
Technical or verbal signal to begin a line or action.
Term
subtext
Definition
The hidden or implied meaning in a line.
Term
backstory
Definition
Biographical information provided by the actor (not explicitly defined by the author).
Term
pacing
Definition
The overall speed and movement of the show.
Term
timing
Definition
The speed and pace of a line delivery.
Term
hold
Definition
To stop a show for the purpose of giving direction, addressing technical issues, or to pause for audience laughter.
Term
feeding lines
Definition
The process of reminding actors of lines.
Term
call for lines
Definition
The process when an actor asks to be reminded of a line that has been forgotten or misspoken.
Term
ad-lib
Definition
Improvised dialogue.
Term
walk-on
Definition
A role in which an actor mounts the stage but has no lines and usually little to no interaction with other actors and no influence on the plot or character development.
Term
wings
Definition
The side area of the stage, usually separated by curtains.
Term
cyc (cyclorama)
Definition
A large fabric or wall on the back of the stage used to project/reflect colors and images such as sky effects.
Term
offstage or backstage
Definition
Any area in the immediate vicinity of the stage that is not visible to the audience.
Term
stage dressing
Definition
The process of preparing a stage for performance.
Term
improvisation
Definition
The art of acting spontaneously.
Term
Full Front
Definition
facing the audience
Term
Breaking the fourth wall
Definition
talking or interacting with the audience in character
Term
Breaking character
Definition
becoming yourself instead of playing your character
Term
One Quarter
Definition
Playing at a 45 degree angle toward the audience.
Term
Profile
Definition
90 degree angle toward the audience.
Term
Three Quarter
Definition
facing upstage from the audience at a 45 degree angle.
Term
Full Back
Definition
Facing completely upstage, back to audience.
Term
Blocking
Definition
directions for moving onstage.
Term
Split Center
Definition
divide centerstage between two actors or items.
Term
Slate
Definition
short actor introduction
Term
Spike marks
Definition
markings onstage to indicate position.
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