Acting Terms

Front

Planned movement onstage as a scene progresses

Back

Blocking

Front

Furthest from the audience

Back

Upstage

Front

An actor moving to the left side of the stage is moving

Back

Stage left

Front

A stage signal; the last few words, actions, or technical effects that prompt another actor's lines

Back

Cue

Front

The unstated plot of the scene; what the character is thinking and feeling

Back

Subtext

Front

Closest to the audience

Back

Downstage

Front

What is a modulation (or variety) in pitch?

Back

Inflection

Front

What is the act of improperly taking attention from an actor who should be the focus of interest?

Back

Upstaging

Front

What is a distinctive action that is repeated and serves as a clue to a character's personality, such as a peculiar laugh or walk?

Back

Master Gesture

Front

What is putting together all facets of a character to bring life and interest to that character?

Back

Characterization