basic terms Flashcards
Pantomime
A story or action performed without words relying on body language
Stage Business
Small actions such as smoking, using a fan, pouring a drink, etc. Used to fill time, create
character, and sometimes to make the action “more realistic.”
Open up / Cheat out
Facing the audience as much as possible
Diction
The ability to be understood by the audience
Volume
The ability to be heard by the audience
Cue
The last words of someone else’s line that tell you when to move or speak
Aside
Lines said directly to the audience. The other character are not supposed to be able to hear
Pick up Cue
a direction for the actor to begin responding immediately
Tableau (Vivant)
A “living picture” Groups of actors are arranged to represent a scene
Notes
When the director wants to hurt your feelings after rehearsal
rake
When the back of the stage is lifted. (led to the creation of stage directions)
Upstage
Furthest from the audience
Downstage
closest to the audience
full front / back
facing entirely away or toward the crowd
Revolve
a stage that either rotates fully or has a portion that can rotate fully 360
