Theatre and Acting Vocabulary

A comprehensive flashcard set covering essential theatre terminology, stage positions, character objectives, and vocal techniques.

Projection

Using proper breath control to speak loudly and clearly so everyone in the audience can hear.

Articulation

Pronouncing words and consonant/vowel sounds clearly and distinctly.

Pacing

The speed and rhythm at which dialogue and stage action take place.

Inflection

Changes in pitch or tone of voice used to express emotion or emphasize specific words.

Improvisation

Performing spontaneously without a script or pre-written dialogue.

Fourth Wall

The imaginary wall separating the actors on stage from the audience watching the show.

Duologue

A scene or performance featuring dialogue between specifically two actors.

Subtext

The underlying meaning, motivation, or emotion behind spoken lines that is not directly stated.

Stage Directions

Written instructions in a script indicating actor movement, stage positioning, or facial expressions.

Cold Reading

Reading a script or scene out loud with little or no prior preparation or rehearsal.

Stage Left (SL)

The area to the actor's left when facing toward the audience.

Stage Right (SR)

The area to the actor's right when facing toward the audience.

Center Stage (CS)

The exact center of the performing/acting area.

Upstage (US)

The area of the stage farthest away from the audience (towards the back wall).

Downstage (DS)

The area of the stage closest to the audience.

Cheating Out

Positioning your body slightly toward the audience so they can clearly see your face and hear your voice.

Blocking

The planned physical movements and positions of actors on stage during a performance.

Monologue

A long speech delivered by a single character to express their thoughts and feelings out loud.

Soliloquy

A monologue where a character speaks their private thoughts directly to the audience or to themselves, unheard by other characters.

Objective

What a character wants or is trying to achieve in a scene or monologue (their main goal).

Obstacle

The person, force, or situation standing in the way of a character achieving their objective.

Tactic

The action or strategy a character uses to overcome an obstacle and reach their objective.

Inner Monologue

The unspoken thoughts running through a character's mind while on stage.

Scene

A continuous unit of action taking place in a single location and continuous time period within a play.

Dialogue

A spoken conversation between two or more characters in a script.