The portion of a proscenium stage that falls between the main curtain and the audience. At times apron scenes are played either to indicate a different setting or to cover for a scenery change behind the main curtain. Sometimes the orchestra pit is raised or covered to create a larger apron or forestage.  

Those parts of the theatre behind the stage, including dressing rooms.  

neutral performance space with black walls, floor and ceiling, in which the audience and performance area can be arranged in a variety of configurations. This differs from the traditional proscenium stage, which has permanent seating, a raised stage, an orchestra pit and wings. The black box theatre is ideal for low-budget, experimental or non-traditional plays, usually employing minimal scenery and seating fewer than 100 people.  

The enclosed area in the outer lobby of a theatre where tickets are sold.  

The New York City theatrical district.  

bulletin board found backstage for pertinent announcements to the actors and technicians.  

A narrow walkway above the stage to allow technicians to work lines, lighting and scenery.  

The small isolated room in which the electrician and/or sound technician sits to operate the lights, sound and other effects, usually located in the rear of the theatre. Also called sound booth, projection booth.  

Toward the apron or audience. The early theatres actually had a sloping or raked stage, and that part nearer the audience was lower than the other end. This allowed the audience, seated on a flat plane, to see better.  

Rooms for actors to change costumes and apply makeup.  

This refers to the auditorium and the lobby as opposed to the stage area. For example, ushers work in “the front of the house.”  

Traditionally, a waiting room where performers rest or receive visitors.  

The audience or the theatre itself. For example, “We had a full house.” or “The house didn’t respond well.”  

Refers to the area beyond the stage setting, out of view of the audience.  

As it implies, on the stage.  

Space for musicians located directly in front of the stage. In some theatres, it is sunken so that the audience can view the show without seeing the musicians. If musicians are not present, sometimes the floor of the pit is raised to create a larger forestage.  

The open frame in the solid wall of the auditorium that encloses the stage and separates it from the audience. The proscenium arch rises like a giant picture frame surrounding the playing area.  

The areas in the back of the stage.  

Stage platform. Also refers to the narrow, steplike platforms on which a choir stands.  

The time and place in which the action of a play occurs.  

As an actor stands facing the audience, stage left is on the left.  

As an actor stands facing the audience, stage right is on the right.  

(1) That part of the stage furthest from the audience. (2) To walk upstage of another actor, forcing the other cast member to turn his or her back to the audience. (3) To draw the attention of the audience away from the featured performer. For example, “The jester upstaged the queen by gesturing and making faces at the audience behind her back.”  

The offstage spaces at the sides of the set.