Musical Theatre

Question 1

Lyrics

Answer 1

Refers to the words that are written to be sung in the rhythm and timing of a song

Question 2

Book

Answer 2

Refers to the dialogue that is spoken between songs. Also includes stage directions and sometimes, notes on the characters.

Question 3

Choreography

Answer 3

Refers to the dance, movement and physicality of the production.

Question 4

The producer

Answer 4

Is the person who organises the show including funding, booking venues, overseeing publicity and hiring the production team.

Question 5

The director

Answer 5

Is responsible for the artistic vision of the show, including concept, staging and direction of actors.

Question 6

The musical director

Answer 6

Is responsible for the orchestra and for the performer’s singing.

Question 7

The designers

Answer 7

Helps facilitate the vision of the director in sound, lighting, costume (also hair and makeup) sets and properties.

Question 8

The stage manager

Answer 8

Records information from the rehearsal process to be used for the bump in the technical time. This includes blocking, costume and props lists and schedules in a prompt copy.

Question 9

Raked stage

Answer 9

A traditional stage configuration where the stage is higher at the back and graduates lower toward the front of the stage (aiding sight lines for the audience of; scenery, objects or actors placed toward the back of the stage.

Question 10

Downstage

Answer 10

(DS) The area at the front of the stage (refer to rake)

Question 11

Upstage

Answer 11

(US) The area at the back of the stage (refer to the rake)

Question 12

Centre stage

Answer 12

(CS) The are at the centre of the stage

Question 13

Off prompt

Answer 13

(OP) Looking from the audience perspective, the left of the stage

Question 14

Prompt

Answer 14

(P) Looking from audience perspective, the right of the stage (traditionally where the stage manager sits to ‘prompt’ missed lines to actors

Question 15

Stage left

Answer 15

The left side of a stage from an actor’s perspective when facing towards an audience

Question 16

Stage right

Answer 16

The right side of a stage from an actor’s perspective when facing towards the audience

Question 17

Wings

Answer 17

The area at extremities of both prompt and off prompt (the backstage area, not visible from the audience)

Question 18

Blacks

Answer 18

Theatrical curtains used to mask areas of the stage such as entrances and exits, usually made from black velvet or wool.

Question 19

Tabs

Answer 19

The front curtain

Question 20

Rostra

Answer 20

A raised platform that sits on the stage

Question 21

Truck

Answer 21

Rostra with wheels attached at the bottom, making it moveable

Question 22

Lumiere or lamp

Answer 22

The physical objects that produce light. (Not to be referred to as lights)

Question 23

Fresnel

Answer 23

A lamp that has rippled lens, that causes a diffused soft edged light

Question 24

Profile

Answer 24

A lamp that has flat convex lens that produces a hard edged circle of light

Question 25

Bars

Answer 25

Metal poles used to attach lamps to

Question 26

Grid

Answer 26

A series of lighting bars over the stage

Question 27

Rig

Answer 27

The configuration of lamps attached to a lighting grid

Question 28

Trees

Answer 28

Free standing tripods used to attach lamps too

Question 29

Flies

Answer 29

The area over the stage used to house the flying system

Question 30

Apron

Answer 30

The playing area in front of the proscenium

Question 31

Score

Answer 31

Refers to the music that is written for a musical theatre production, including songs and underscoring (music that is written to be played whilst dialogue is being performed on stage) or for scene changes and transitions.