Theatre Terminology

Front

act

Back

a major division of a dramatic work; a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc, especially one that is part of a programme of light entertainment

Front

backstage

Back

behind the part of the theatre in view of the audience; in the dressing rooms, wings, etc

Front

catastrophe

Back

the denouement of a play, especially a classical tragedy

Front

chorus

Back

(in classical Greek drama) the actors who sang the chorus and commented on the action of the play

Front

circle

Back

the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle

Front

Comédie Française

Back

the French national theatre, founded in Paris in 1680

Front

coup de théâtre

Back

a stage success

Front

crush bar

Back

a bar at a theatre for serving drinks during the intervals of a play

Front

cue

Back

to signal (to something or somebody) at a specific moment in a musical or dramatic performance

Front

curtain

Back

a hanging cloth or similar barrier for concealing all or part of a theatre stage from the audience