Basic Theatre Terms

An imaginary wall between the audience and the actors onstage or in film. When you “break this wall" you include the audience in your scene by speaking to them or looking at the camera. 

• Flat

• Fourth Wall

• Set/ Scenery

An event where the director reviews actors to determine who will play the different roles. A short piece, usually a monologue, is used to showcase an actor’s abilities.

• Rehearse

• Audition

• Ensemble

The movement directions an actor will follow in a scene (entering, exiting, crossing to different places on stage, actions), written using stage directions.

• Blocking

• Lines

• Rehearse

A piece of scenery used to create a location. Usually made of wood or a mixture of wood and canvas.

• Set/ Scenery

• Flat

• Preset

The conversation onstage between two or more actors.

• Dialogue

• Monolague

• Script

The final rehearsal before the first performance. It uses all costumes, props, lighting, and sound cues. 

• Blocking

• Rehearse

• Dress Rearsal

The group of actors chosen to play the different roles in a production.

• Cast

• Audition

• Ensemble

Large pieces (furniture, objects, walls, etc) used to help the audience see the scenes setting.

• Set/ Scenery

• Flat

• Fourth Wall

To practice over and over in order to improve skills for performance.

• Rehearse

• Blocking

• Dress Rehearsal

The text of a play, or movie/ show which gives actors lines to speak. it may also include notes about characters, setting, expression, and movement.

• Line

• Script

• Cast