Glossary - Keyword List

Question 1

Playwright:

Answer 1

They write the script, with dialogue and stage directions.

Question 2

Performer:

Answer 2

Appearing in a performance.

Question 3

Understudy:

Answer 3

Learning a part, including lines and movements so they are able to take over a role for someone if needed when there is a planned or unplanned absence.

Question 4

Sound designer:

Answer 4

Designs the sound for a performance (music, sound effects)

Question 5

Lighting designer:

Answer 5

Designs the lighting states and effects that will be used in a performance.
- Understanding the technical capabilities of the theatre and creating a lighting point.

Question 6

Costume designer:

Answer 6

Designs what the actors wear on stage. Making sure that the costumes are appropriate for the style and the period of the piece.

Question 7

Set designer:

Answer 7

Designs the set of the play and the set dressing (object placed on the stage.) Provides sketches and other design materials before overseeing the creation of the set.

Question 8

Stage manager:

Answer 8

Running the backstage elements of the play and supervising the backstage crew. Organising the rehearsal schedule and keeping lists of props and other technical needs. Creating a prompt book and calling the cues for the performance.

Question 9

Technician:

Answer 9

Operating the technical equipment (lighting and sound boards) during the performance

Question 10

Puppet designer:

Answer 10

Designs the puppets for a production, taking account the style of the puppets and how they will be operated.

Question 11

Theatre manager:

Answer 11

Running the theatre building, including overseeing the Front house staff and the box office staff who sell tickets

Question 12

Directors:

Answer 12

Overseeing the creative aspects of the production. Developing a ‘concept’ or central unifying idea for the production. Liaising (collaborating) with the designers, rehearsing with the actors and ensuring that all the technical elements of the play are ready. Giving ‘notes’ to actors to help improve their performances and agreeing the blocking (or movements) of the actors.

Question 13

Covering:

Answer 13

Learning the words and movements for a part that you don’t usually perform.

Question 14

Blocking:

Answer 14

The movements of the actor. Often written by the stage manager

Question 15

Interval:

Answer 15

A break in a performance for both the performers and the audience.

Question 16

Staging configuration:

Answer 16

The type of stage and audience arrangement.

Question 17

Dynamic:

Answer 17

Energetic, forceful

Question 18

Fourth wall:

Answer 18

An imaginary wall between the audience and the actors giving the impression that the actors are unaware they are being observed.

Question 19

Backdrop:

Answer 19

A large painted cloth hung as part of the scenery.

Question 20

Sightline:

Answer 20

The view of the audience

Question 21

Apron:

Answer 21

The area of the stage nearest the audience which projects in front of the curtain

Question 22

Fly space:

Answer 22

Area above the stage where scenery may be stored and lowered to the stage.

Question 23

Wing spaces:

Answer 23

Areas to the side of the stage. This is the area where the actors, unseen by the audience, wait to enter and where props and set pieces may be stored.

Question 24

Audience interaction:

Answer 24

Involving the audience in the play, for example, bringing them on state, going into the audience to speak with them or passing them props to hold.

Question 25

Box set:

Answer 25

A set with three complete walls, often used in naturalistic set designs. For example, creating a believable room

Question 26

Site set:

Answer 26

A performance in a location, such as a warehouse or a park, which is not a conventional theatre. The space has often been adapted to suit the production.