Theatre terminology

Question 1

ASM

Answer 1

Assisting stage manger

Question 2

Acting ASM

Answer 2

An acting member of the cast who also has ASM responsibilities.

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

The progress of beginning a scene. Also the command give my the director of a film to begin the scene.

Question 4

Angle

Answer 4

An individual who puts money into a show on a small scale.

Question 5

Backcloth

Answer 5

A cloth hung at the back of the stage, usually with a scene painted on it.

Question 6

Backstage

Answer 6

Area behind the stage and away from the wings.

Question 7

Balcony

Answer 7

Seating above the circle/upper circle in the auditorium.

Question 8

Band call

Answer 8

A rehearsals for musicians.

Question 9

Blocking

Answer 9

Th process of setting the actors movement around the stage.

Question 10

Calls

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Circle

Answer 11

Upper/dress seating area above the stalls.

Question 12

Company manager

Answer 12

Looks after the actors and liases with the producer.

Question 13

Corpsing

Answer 13

Uncontrollable, inappropriate laughing on stage. May however, be staged as a mock corpse, e.g in pantomime.

Question 14

Crew

Answer 14

The team back stage.

Question 15

Cue

Answer 15

Anything that serves as a signal to the actor or musician, to follow with specific lines or action.

Question 16

Dance captain

Answer 16

One of the company who takes care of the dance routines.

Question 17

Director

Answer 17

In charge of the rehearsing and staging of the show and often casting.

Question 18

Downstage (DS)

Answer 18

Nearest the audience.

Question 19

Dress rehearsal

Answer 19

Of one of the performance with full technical and costume.

Question 20

DSM

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Follow spot

Answer 21

Spotlight moved by an operator to light a performer as he moves about.

Question 22

Footlights

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Freeze

Answer 23

To hold the action and become motionless.

Question 24

Greenroom

Answer 24

Actors restroom

Question 25

Musical director

Answer 25

MD-in charge of all musical aspects of the show.

Question 26

OPP prompt

Answer 26

Opposite prompt corner

Question 27

Pit

Answer 27

In front and usually below the level of the stage where orchestra is

Question 28

Prompt corner.

Answer 28

Stage manager central point of the side of the stage, traditionally stage left.

Question 29

Proscenium arch

Answer 29

Architectural frame surrounding the opening in the proscenium wall, whether it is arched or not, through which the performance is viewed.

Question 30

Props

Answer 30

Property. Any moveable object used on the set of a stage or film.

Question 31

Rake

Answer 31

Where the stage slopes towards the audience.

Question 32

Stage manager

Answer 32

SM. in charge of everything back stage

Question 33

Stage left/ right

Answer 33

The left/ right hand side of the stage as viewed from the actors point of view.

Question 34

Swing

Answer 34

Someone who covers up 8 other dance roles.

Question 35

Tabs

Answer 35

Curtain

Question 36

To upstage

Answer 36

Where one actor is stood too far upstage of another, requiring him to turn his back on the audience to converse.

Question 37

Trucks

Answer 37

Platforms, or rostra, on wheels housing scenery.

Question 38

Understudy

Answer 38

Another actor, prepared and ready to take over a part should the main actor be unable to preform.

Question 39

Up stage

Answer 39

Furtherest from the audience.

Question 40

Wardrobe

Answer 40

General name for the costume department it’s staff and the premises they occupy.

Question 41

Wings

Answer 41

Areas on either side and leading onto, the stage.