Theatre

Bedlam

Chaos, uproar; referred to London’s chaotic state.

Covetous

Greedy; describes Scrooge as grasping and miserly.

Destitute

Impoverished; refers to the Cratchit family's concerns.

Idle

Lazy; Scrooge criticizes the unemployed 'Idlers'.

Humbug

Nonsense; Scrooge dismisses Christmas as such.

Fortnight

A period of two weeks.

Myrrh / Frankincense

Gifts of the Magi, mentioned in the Christmas spirit context.

Vehemently

Intensely; describes Scrooge's strong protest against fear.

Thespis

Considered the first actor, known for introducing individual character roles.

Thespians

Modern term for actors, named after Thespis.

Aeschylus

Known as the father of tragedy; introduced a second actor.

Sophocles

Famous for scene painting and introducing a third actor.

Euripides

Playwright whose works are psychologically focused tragedies.

Aristophanes

Famous for largely satirical comedies.

Tragedy

A Greek play type focusing on heroes, fate, and catharsis.

Comedy

A Greek play type that satirizes current society.

Satyr plays

Racy, myth-based interludes in Greek theatre.

Masks

Used in Greek theatre for exaggerated expressions and role shifts.

Dionysus

Greek god of wine and fertility, associated with the birth of drama.

Director

Responsible for artistic vision and guiding actors.

Producer

Oversees logistics, funding, and budgeting of a production.

Choreographer

Designs movement and dance sequences in performances.

Musical Director

Responsible for musical supervision of a production.

Casting Director

Selects actors for roles in the production.

Dramaturg

Ensures script integrity and historical accuracy.

Designers

Creates sets, costumes, lighting, and sound for productions.

Leading Actor

Main protagonist in a performance.

Supporting Actor

Plays significant but secondary roles.

Ensemble

Group of performers supporting the main cast.

Understudy

Covers principal roles as needed.

Swing

Covers multiple ensemble roles as required.

Upstage

The rear part of the stage.

Downstage

The part of the stage closest to the audience.

Stage Left/Right

Actor’s left/right as they face the audience.

Center Stage / Center Line

The literal center of the stage.

On Stage

The visible playing area for the performance.

Off Stage

Areas hidden from the audience.

Wings

Lateral off-stage areas where actors await their entrance.

House

Seating area for the audience.

Proscenium

Arch that frames the stage area.

Orchestra

Pit area designated for musicians.

Meisner Technique

Acting foundation based on living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.