Theatre Termiology

3. – Areas of a theatre or performing arts venue where the public can be. Antonym: backstage.
6. – The time in which an actor must be present at the theatre for an audition, rehearsal or show. No phones are involved with this kind of call.
7. – When actors try to achieve complete emotional understanding of their character (i.e., adjusting their lifestyle to align with a role as part of the rehearsal process).
8. – That magical moment after a production when the cast comes out for a bow and applause.
9. – A study of the context in which a production takes place. Generally, a bunch of actors (or a person assigned to the role of dramaturg) research a play’s specific era, location, societal beliefs, traditions, etc. to gain a better understanding of the world where the story is set.

1. – The front of a stage where performers are closest to the audience.
2. – Rather than standing in front of someone so that they can’t get by, ‘blocking’ in the theatre world refers to the exact placement on a stage where an actor needs to be during a scene.
4. – Sounds like something from the Twilight Zone but is really the conceptual barrier between actor and audience member. Performers that “break the fourth wall” address the audience.
5. – Put your tissues away. This simply means to read a script with little to no preparation. No rehearsing for you – you’re going in cold!