Theatrical Terms and Definitions

the written text of a play

• script

• novel

• poem

• essay

the author of a play

• playwright

• director

• producer

• actor

when and where the story takes place

• plot

• theme

• setting

• character

an instruction in the text of a play, especially one indicating the movement, position, or tone of an actor (usually in parentheses or brackets)

• Stage directions

• Character notes

• Scene descriptions

• Dialogue cues

a message or lesson learned

• theme

• mood

• tone

• setting

the clothing and accessories that the characters wear

• costumes

• attire

• garments

• uniforms

a booklet that gives info about the cast

• program

• brochure

• playbill

• catalog

small sections that make up an act

• act

• scene

• chapter

• segment

actors try out for a role by demonstrating their talents

• audition

• rehearsal

• casting call

• performance

a story told through actors on a stage to a live audience; another word for a play

• drama

• novel

• poem

• comedy