Musical Theatre Flashcards
Lyrics
Refers to the words that are written to be sung in the rhythm and timing of a song
Book
Refers to the dialogue that is spoken between songs. Also includes stage directions and sometimes, notes on the characters.
Choreography
Refers to the dance, movement and physicality of the production.
The producer
Is the person who organises the show including funding, booking venues, overseeing publicity and hiring the production team.
The director
Is responsible for the artistic vision of the show, including concept, staging and direction of actors.
The musical director
Is responsible for the orchestra and for the performer’s singing.
The designers
Helps facilitate the vision of the director in sound, lighting, costume (also hair and makeup) sets and properties.
The stage manager
Records information from the rehearsal process to be used for the bump in the technical time. This includes blocking, costume and props lists and schedules in a prompt copy.
Raked stage
A traditional stage configuration where the stage is higher at the back and graduates lower toward the front of the stage (aiding sight lines for the audience of; scenery, objects or actors placed toward the back of the stage.
Downstage
(DS) The area at the front of the stage (refer to rake)
Upstage
(US) The area at the back of the stage (refer to the rake)
Centre stage
(CS) The are at the centre of the stage
Off prompt
(OP) Looking from the audience perspective, the left of the stage
Prompt
(P) Looking from audience perspective, the right of the stage (traditionally where the stage manager sits to ‘prompt’ missed lines to actors
Stage left
The left side of a stage from an actor’s perspective when facing towards an audience
Stage right
The right side of a stage from an actor’s perspective when facing towards the audience
Wings
The area at extremities of both prompt and off prompt (the backstage area, not visible from the audience)
Blacks
Theatrical curtains used to mask areas of the stage such as entrances and exits, usually made from black velvet or wool.
Tabs
The front curtain
Rostra
A raised platform that sits on the stage
Truck
Rostra with wheels attached at the bottom, making it moveable
Lumiere or lamp
The physical objects that produce light. (Not to be referred to as lights)
Fresnel
A lamp that has rippled lens, that causes a diffused soft edged light
Profile
A lamp that has flat convex lens that produces a hard edged circle of light
Bars
Metal poles used to attach lamps to
Grid
A series of lighting bars over the stage
Rig
The configuration of lamps attached to a lighting grid
Trees
Free standing tripods used to attach lamps too
Flies
The area over the stage used to house the flying system
Apron
The playing area in front of the proscenium
Score
Refers to the music that is written for a musical theatre production, including songs and underscoring (music that is written to be played whilst dialogue is being performed on stage) or for scene changes and transitions.
