Theater Terminology

Thespian

• A type of theatrical performance

• An actor or actress.

• A dramatic script

• A stage director

Monologue

• A short dialogue between two characters in a play.

• A long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.

• A musical number performed by a group of actors.

• A scene where multiple characters interact simultaneously.

Apron

• The area behind the stage where actors wait to enter.

• The flat wide part of the stage projecting into the audience and used as the main acting area.

• The part of the stage that is elevated above the audience.

• The backstage area where props are stored.

Improvisation

• A planned performance with a script.

• Something that is improvised, especially a piece of music, drama, etc., created without preparation.

• A type of dance that follows strict choreography.

• A rehearsal of a theatrical play.

Articulation

• The formation of clear and distinct sounds in speech.

• The process of combining different art forms.

• The ability to express thoughts and feelings effectively.

• The study of the physical properties of sound.

Cheating out

• Actors turn slightly to face the audience to be seen and heard better.

• Actors perform in a way that is dishonest or deceptive.

• Actors ignore the audience and focus only on each other.

• Actors use props to enhance their performance.

Monotone

• A sound that varies in pitch and intonation.

• A continuing sound that is unchanging in pitch and without intonation.

• A sound that is loud and abrupt.

• A sound that is soft and melodic.

Pantomime

• The art of conveying emotions through spoken words.

• The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

• A form of dance that tells a story through movement.

• A theatrical performance that includes singing and acting.

Aside

• A type of monologue where a character speaks to themselves.

• A brief, direct address from a character to the audience that other characters on stage are unaware of.

• A dialogue between two characters on stage.

• A scene that takes place in a different location.

Inflection

• The modulation of intonation or pitch in the voice.

• A change in the form of a word to express different grammatical features.

• The process of altering the meaning of a word by adding prefixes or suffixes.

• A technique used in music to change the tempo of a piece.