Theatre Terminology

Proscenium Arch

The frame or opening of a proscenium stage through which the audience views the performance.

Thrust Stage

A stage that extends out into the audience on three sides.

Arena Stage

A stage surrounded by the audience on all sides.

Black Box Theatre

A flexible performance space, usually painted black, that can be configured in various ways.

Apron

The part of the stage that extends beyond the proscenium arch towards the audience.

Wings

The offstage areas to the left and right of the main acting space.

Fly Loft (or Flies)

The space above the stage where scenery, curtains, and lighting instruments can be suspended.

Trap Room

A space beneath the stage that allows for entrances and exits from below.

Orchestra Pit

The lowered area in front of the stage where musicians typically play.

House

The area of the theatre where the audience sits.

Front of House (FOH)

The area of the theatre in front of the stage, including the lobby and box office.

Backstage

The area behind the stage, including dressing rooms, workshops, and storage.

Sightlines

The areas of the stage that are visible to audience members from different seats.

Fourth Wall

The imaginary barrier between the actors on stage and the audience.

Raked Stage

A stage that slopes upward away from the audience.

Dress Rehearsal Costume

The final version of the costumes worn during the dress rehearsal.

Costume Plot

A list or chart that shows which costumes each character wears in each scene.

Wardrobe

The collection of costumes used in a production.

Quick Change

A rapid costume change that needs to happen quickly backstage.

Undergarment

Garments worn beneath the visible costume.

Millinery

The craft of making hats and headwear.

Draping

A method of creating garment patterns by pinning fabric onto a mannequin.

Mock-up (or Toile)

A preliminary version of a costume made from inexpensive fabric.

Fitting

A session where a costume is tried on and adjusted for the actor.

Alterations

Changes made to a costume to ensure a proper fit.

Distressing

The process of making a costume look worn, aged, or damaged.

Character Shoe

Specific types of footwear designed for theatrical performance.

Mask

A covering worn over the face to portray a character or emotion.

Swatches

Small samples of fabric used for costume design and reference.

Breakdown

The process of analyzing a script to determine costume needs for each character and scene.

Hand Prop

An item carried or manipulated by an actor.

Set Dressing

Items on stage that are not handled by actors but help create the environment.

Personal Prop

An item specific to a character that they carry with them throughout the play.

Prop Table

A designated table backstage where props are organized and can be easily accessed.

Prop List

A comprehensive list of all the props needed for a production.

Preset

Placing props in their correct locations on stage or backstage before a scene begins.

Pulling Props

Locating and gathering props from storage or other sources.

Building Props

Creating props from scratch or modifying existing items.

Mock Prop

A temporary prop used during rehearsals before the final prop is available.

Consumable Prop

A prop that is used up or destroyed during a performance (e.g., a letter that is torn).

Practical Prop

A prop that actually works as it would in real life (e.g., a lamp that lights up).

Special Effect Prop

A prop designed to create a specific effect (e.g., a smoke grenade).

Weapon Prop

A prop that resembles a weapon, handled with specific safety protocols.

Food Prop

Items used to represent food on stage, often made from non-perishable materials.

Period Prop

A prop that is specific to the historical period of the play.

Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS)

A type of fixture that produces a focused beam of light.

Fresnel

A type of fixture that produces a soft, diffused beam of light.

PAR Can

A simple fixture that produces a wide, even wash of light.

LED Fixture

A light fixture that uses light-emitting diodes as its light source.

Gobo

A thin metal or glass template inserted into a lighting fixture to project a pattern.

Gel (or Color Filter)

A colored plastic sheet placed in front of a light to change its color.

Dimmer

A device used to control the intensity of a light.

Light Plot

A diagram showing the placement and specifications of all lighting fixtures.

Cue

A specific moment during a performance when a lighting change occurs.

Fade

A gradual increase (fade in) or decrease (fade out) in the intensity of a light.

Crossfade

Simultaneously fading out one lighting cue while fading in another.

Wash

A general illumination of a large area of the stage.

Spotlight

A focused beam of light used to highlight a specific person or area.

Follow Spot

A powerful spotlight that can be moved to follow an actor on stage.

Practical Light

A light source on stage that is also part of the set (e.g., a lamp on a table).

Beam Angle

The spread of light emitted from a fixture.

Intensity

The brightness of a light.

Color Temperature

The warmth or coolness of a light source, measured in Kelvin.

Flat

A lightweight frame covered with fabric or hardboard, used as a wall or scenic element.

Platform

A raised surface on stage used to create different levels.

Riser

A smaller platform used to elevate a portion of the stage or set.

Unit Set

A single set that can represent multiple locations through the use of lighting and minimal changes.

Box Set

A set that represents the interior of a room with three walls and a ceiling (often implied).

Cyclorama (Cyc)

A large white or light-colored fabric backdrop that can be lit to represent the sky or other backgrounds.

Scrim

A loosely woven fabric that appears opaque when lit from the front and transparent when lit from behind.

Ground Row

A low scenic element placed at the back of the stage to create the illusion of distance.

Sightline Masking

Scenic elements used to block the audience's view of offstage areas.

Traveler

A curtain that can be opened and closed horizontally.

Drop

A large painted canvas or fabric backdrop that can be lowered onto the stage.

Legs

Narrow, vertical curtains used to mask the wings.

Borders

Short, horizontal curtains used to mask the overhead rigging and lighting.

Revolve (or Turntable)

A rotating platform built into the stage floor.

Elevator (or Lift)

A section of the stage floor that can be raised or lowered.

Projections

Images or videos displayed onto surfaces on stage.

Blocking

The precise staging of actors on stage, including their movements and positions.

Stage Business

Small actions performed by actors that add detail and realism to a scene.

Pacing

The tempo and rhythm of a scene or the entire play.

Levels

The use of different heights on stage to create visual interest and emphasize relationships.

Focus

Directing the audience's attention to a particular actor or area on stage.

Composition

The arrangement of actors and scenic elements on stage to create a visually appealing image.

Motivation

The internal reasons behind a character's actions and dialogue.

Subtext

The underlying meaning or unspoken thoughts and feelings of a character.

Table Work

A rehearsal process where the actors and director discuss the script.

Run-Through

A rehearsal where the actors perform the play from beginning to end without stopping.

Technical Rehearsal (Tech)

Rehearsals focused on integrating the technical elements (lights, sound, etc.) with the actors.

Dress Rehearsal

A full rehearsal with costumes, makeup, and all technical elements.

Call Time

The time at which actors and crew are required to be at the theatre.

Notes

Feedback and corrections given by the director after a rehearsal or performance.

Concept

The director's overall vision and interpretation of the play.

Improvisation

Acting without a script, often used in rehearsals or performance.

Characterization

The process of creating and portraying a believable character.

Vocal Projection

The ability to speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard by the entire audience.

Articulation

The clarity and distinctness of speech.

Pace and Rhythm (Acting)

The speed and flow of an actor's delivery.

Gesture

A movement of the body, especially of the hands or arms, to express an idea or feeling.