Theatre terminology Flashcards
ASM
Assisting stage manger
Acting ASM
An acting member of the cast who also has ASM responsibilities.
Action
The progress of beginning a scene. Also the command give my the director of a film to begin the scene.
Angle
An individual who puts money into a show on a small scale.
Backcloth
A cloth hung at the back of the stage, usually with a scene painted on it.
Backstage
Area behind the stage and away from the wings.
Balcony
Seating above the circle/upper circle in the auditorium.
Band call
A rehearsals for musicians.
Blocking
Th process of setting the actors movement around the stage.
Calls
Half hour call: also referred to as “the half 35 minutes before curtain up”
15 minute call: 20 minutes before curtain up.
5 minute call: 10 minutes before curtain up.
Beginners call: 5 minutes before curtain up.
Circle
Upper/dress seating area above the stalls.
Company manager
Looks after the actors and liases with the producer.
Corpsing
Uncontrollable, inappropriate laughing on stage. May however, be staged as a mock corpse, e.g in pantomime.
Crew
The team back stage.
Cue
Anything that serves as a signal to the actor or musician, to follow with specific lines or action.
Dance captain
One of the company who takes care of the dance routines.
Director
In charge of the rehearsing and staging of the show and often casting.
Downstage (DS)
Nearest the audience.
Dress rehearsal
Of one of the performance with full technical and costume.
DSM
Deputy stage manager. Sitting on the Rehearsals and takes notes from the director as to how the production will proceed. Responsible to stage manager and runs the show from prompt corner.
Follow spot
Spotlight moved by an operator to light a performer as he moves about.
Footlights
Not currently popular, but lights along the front of the stage, pointing back up at the actors. Used in the past to reduce the shadows and actors faces, but no longer necessary with modern lighting.
Freeze
To hold the action and become motionless.
Greenroom
Actors restroom
