Theature Terminology

Question 1

ASM

Answer 1

Assisting stage manager

Question 2

Acting ASM

Answer 2

An acting member of the cast, who also has ASM responsibilities

Question 3

Action

Answer 3

The progress of beginning a scene. Also the command, given by the director of a film to begin the scene.

Question 4

Angel

Answer 4

An individual who puts money into a show on a small scale

Question 5

Backcloth

Answer 5

A cloth hung at the back of the stage, usually with a scene painted on it

Question 6

Backstage

Answer 6

Area behind the stage and away from the wings

Question 7

Balcony

Answer 7

Seating above the circle/upper circle in the auditorium

Question 8

Band call

Answer 8

A rehearsal for musicians

Question 9

Blackout

Answer 9

No lights on

Question 10

Blocking

Answer 10

The process of setting the actors movement around the stage

Question 11

Calls

Answer 11

15 minute call: 20 minutes before curtain up
5 minute call: 10 minutes before curtain up
Beginner’s call: 5 minutes before curtain up

Question 12

Circle

Answer 12

Upper/dress seating area above the stalls

Question 13

Company manager

Answer 13

Looks after the actors, and liaises with the producer

Question 14

Corpsing

Answer 14

Uncontrollable, inappropriate laughing on stage. May, however, be staged as a mock corpse, e.g in pantomime

Question 15

Crew

Answer 15

The team backstage

Question 16

Cue

Answer 16

Anything that serves as a signal to the actor or musician, to follow with specific lines or action

Question 17

Dance captain

Answer 17

One of the company who takes care of the care of the dance routines

Question 18

Director

Answer 18

In charge of the rehearsing and staging of the show and often casting

Question 19

Down stage

DS

Answer 19

Nearest the audience

Question 20

Dress rehearsal

Answer 20

A run of the performance with full technical and costume

Question 21

DSM

Answer 21

Deputy stage manager. Sits in on rehearsal and takes notes from the director as to how the production will proceed. Responsible to the stage manager and runs the show from prompt corner

Question 22

Follow spot

Answer 22

Spotlight moved by an operator to light a performer as he moves about

Question 23

Footlights

Answer 23

Not currently popular, but lights along the front of the stage, pointing back up at the actors. Used in the past to reduce shadows on the actors’ faces, but no longer necessary with modern lighting.

Question 24

Freeze

Answer 24

To halt the action and become motionless

Question 25

Green room

Answer 25

Actors' rest room

Question 26

Musical director

Answer 26

MD- in charge of all musical aspects of the show

Question 27

OPP prompt

Answer 27

Opposite prompt corner

Question 28

Pit

Answer 28

In front, and usually below the level of the stage, where the orchestra is

Question 29

Prompt corner

Answer 29

Stage managers central point at the side of the stage, traditionally stage left

Question 30

Proscenium arch

Answer 30

Architectural frame surrounding the opening in the proscenium wall, whether it is arched or not, through which the performance is viewed

Question 31

Props

Answer 31

Property. Any movable object used on the set of a stage or film.

Question 32

Rake

Answer 32

Whether stage slopes towards the audience

Question 33

Stage manager

Answer 33

SM- in charge of everything back stage

Question 34

Stage left

Answer 34

The left hand side of the stage as viewed from the actors point of view

Question 35

Stage right

Answer 35

The right hand side of the stage as viewed from the actors point of view

Question 36

Swing

Answer 36

Someone who covers up to 8 other dance rolls

Question 37

Tabs

Answer 37

Curtains

Question 38

To upstage

Answer 38

Where one actor is stood too far upstage of another, requiring him to turn his back on the audience to converse

Question 39

Trucks

Answer 39

Platforms, or rostra, on wheels housing scenery.

Question 40

Understudy

Answer 40

Another actor, prepared and ready to take over a part should the main actor be unable to perform

Question 41

Up stage

Answer 41

Furthest from the audience

Question 42

Wardrobe

Answer 42

General name for the costume department it's staff and the premises they occupy

Question 43

Wings

Answer 43

Areas on either side, and leading onto, the stage