Theatre Jargon
Auditorium
The area in which the audience sit/stand to watch a performance
Backstage
The area behind the stage, sometimes called the wings. The dressing rooms are also backstage.
Blocking
Going through each scene and determing where abouts the actor is placed on stage.
Commedia dell-Arte
Translated as "Comedy of the Profession".
Criticism
Contemporary analysis or review of a production
Cue
Action/Line in which the actor needs to deliver at that precise moment or where the technician needs to perform a task, such as 'blackout'.
Downstage
The front of the stage, closest to the audience.
Flat
Basic unit of scenery usually covered or painted.
Fourth Wall
An imaginary wall that is 'removed' from the box set to allow the audience to see the action taking place on stage. An idea used in Naturlistic acting.
Gobo
A thin metal disc that is inserted into the front of certain lights to create different effects/colours
House Style
A term used in newspapers which determines the specific layout of that newspaper and its contents
Improvisation
Improvisation includes two or more actors who are provided with a situation and then they will create a dialogue/scene around the situation and will make it up as they go along
Kabuki
A traditional dance or piece of drama derived from Japan
Method Acting
A particular approach and theory towards naturalistic acting.
Monologue
A long speech by a character which is usually spoken as if talking to themelves or maybe out to an audience
Musical
A play where the story is told through music, dancing and singing.
Naturalism
A movement which happened in the theatre world around the late 19th century where theatre strived to create a realistic representation of life by looking at aspects such as the environment in which one lives and the effects that may have on them.
Prologue
A speech before the start of the play which introduced it and indicate things that were to soon happen. Prologues were very common in Restoration drama.
Protagonist
Lead character in a play, usually in conflict with an antagonist.
Spot
As in spotlight.
stage directions
Particular directions written in the script which tell the actors something specific to do.
Upstage
The part of the stage at the back or the part furthest away from the audience
Stage Right
The right side of the stage seen from the actor's view when looking out to the audience.
Stage Left
The left side of the stage seen from the actor's view when looking out to the audience.
Downstage
The part of the stage at the bottom or closest to the audience.
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