Theatre Terms

To play the part of; perform on stage

• Act (v)
• Act (n)
• Actor
• Playwright

A major division of a play (plays usually have two)

• Act (v)
• Act (n)
• Scene
• Chapter

The weakest position on stage

• Downstage Center
• Stage Right
• Upstage Left
• Upstage Right

a low platform stage that projects into the audience

• Arena
• Thrust
• Proscenium
• Amphitheater

A stage that has audience on one side

• Proscenium
• Thrust
• Arena
• Black Box

A stage used for experimental shows

• Amphitheater
• Thrust
• Arena
• Black Box

acting without words

• Improvisation
• Pantomime
• Impromptu
• Dramaturg

a waiting area offstage used by actors

• Lobby
• Backstage
• Green Room
• Wings

a special consultant who provides specific, in depth knowledge and literary resources to a director, producer, or entire theatre company

• Designer
• Director
• Playwright
• Dramaturg

the drapery that shuts off the stage from the audience; when written in all capital letters in a script, it indicates that it is closed

• Screen
• Curtain
• Psyche Wall
• Picture Frame