Theatre Term List 1

Readings before a director to determine casting of a play

• Audition

• Callback

• Places

• Strike

The set movement of all the actors on stage throughout the play.

• Exit

• Call back

• Blocking

• Direction

An additional audition for the final actors being considered. Similar to semifinals in sports.

• Audition

• Call back

• Run through

• Improvisation

Movement from one area of the stage to another.

• Counter-cross

• Cross

• Center stage

• Blocking

A direction given to all actors, musicians, and technicians to leave the stage

• Clear the stage

• Places

• Blocking

• Run through

A small movement in the opposite direction to the cross made by another character.

• Cross

• Counter-cross

• Take the stage

• Places

A direction given to all performers to go to their spot at the start of the play

• Blocking

• Clear the stage

• Places

• Cross

Command to leave the acting area.

• Places

• Take the stage

• Cross

• Exit

The time the actor is to report to rehearsal or the performance.

• Dress rehearsal

• Call time

• Places

• Take the stage

Rehearsal conducted as if it was an actual performance.

• Improvisation

• Take the stage

• Cross

• Dress rehearsal