50 Theatre Terms

As a verb, to perform in a play. As a noun, a major division in the acting of a play.

• Act
• Pact
• Move it Buddy

What happens in a play; the events that make up the plot.

• Alleviation
• Action
• Accents

The professional union for actors, stage managers, dancers, and singers.

• F.A.M.E.
• Unity of Love
• Actors Equity Association - (AEA)

To improvise lines of a speech, especially in response to an emergency.

• Ad lib
• Ad hoc
• Ad nauseum

The producer who has responsibility for artistic choices.

• The Oracle of Delphi
• Artistic director
• Senator

A format in which actors try out for roles.

• Downward Dog
• Nausea Control
• Audition

The stage area behind the front curtain.

• Backstage
• Onstage
• Nearstage

The elapsed time between the inception of an objective/intention, and its completion.

• Best
• Beat
• Beet

The most famous theater district in the world. Manhattan in which 32 theaters are located.

• East Village
• Main Street
• Broadway

Obvious and detailed physical movement of performers to reveal character.

• Business
• Prestidigitation
• The reveal