Theater Terminology

Front

Dialogue

Back

What the characters say; necessary to develop conflict and advance the plot.

Front

Script

Back

A play in written form.

Front

Narration

Back

Technique in which one or more performers speak directly to the audience to tell a story.

Front

Soliloquy

Back

Longer speech by one character, no other characters on stage can hear what is said; reveals inner thoughts or motives of a character.

Front

Monologue

Back

Longer speech by one character, other characters on stage can hear what is said and respond to it.

Front

Act

Back

Large part, or section, of a play.

Front

Scene

Back

Smaller section of a play, part of an act.

Front

Cast

Back

Actors and actresses who perform the play.

Front

Crew

Back

People who build sets, manage lighting, or work backstage.

Front

Stage Directions

Back

Notes in the script, usually written in parentheses, describe where and when a scene takes place, how the characters should move onstage, describe sets, costumes, props, lighting, and sound effects.