Theatre Vocabulary

An actor's movement and stage positions during a performance.

• Character
• Cue
• Curtain Call
• Blocking

An actor's movement from one part of the stage to another.

• Cross
• Cue
• Diction
• Blocking

The rate at which a scene is played.

• Objective
• Character
• Pacing
• Emotional Memory

The quality or style of speaking an actor uses to demonstrate his character. It includes elements such as accent, enunciation, and inflection.

• Curtain Call
• Projection
• Improvisation
• Diction

The cast bow at the end of a show.

• Curtain Call
• Projection
• Posture
• Motivation

Acting done spontaneously and without a script; everything is made up on the spot. Often used in rehearsals to strengthen understanding of character.

• Objective
• Pacing
• Improvisation
• Projection

A competitive try-out for a role in a play. A chance for actors to show directors their capabilities in hope of being cast.

• Call
• Callback
• Audition
• Dress Rehearsals

A reading of the script done without looking at or studying that script in advance. Sometimes used at auditions.

• Call
• Critique
• Callback
• Cold Reading

Another word for memorized. A rehearsal off book will be one in which the actors do not use scripts.

• Off Book
• Dress Rehearsals
• Cold Reading
• Call

A character who acts in opposition to the main character, or protagonist. Often the 'bad guy' of the play.

• Farce
• Antagonist
• Conflict
• Dialogue