Cennarium Backstage - Brasil Autumn 2016 | Page 26
Theatre Glossary: Learning the Right Theatre Words By Fay Al-Janabi
Here are the basic and not-so-basic theater words every professional knows. Add these to your vocabulary and start enjoying more "dramatic" conversations! today!
F Fit up When the stage is being set up or prepared for a show.
Fourth wall An imaginary wall that sits between the audience and the stage. When a character speaks directly to the audience, is considered breaking the fourth wall.
French scene The parts of a performance between the entrance and exit of a character.
Front of house The parts of a theatre or venue that includes parking, ushers, concession stands, and so on.
Front of house When all seats in a theatre are full of capacity.
G Gallery A part of a theatre that sits above the other seating, usually at the back or sides of a venue.
Ghost Someone who performs the singing parts for another actor.
Ghost light A safety light that is left lit overnight and when the stage is not in use.
GOTE The four basic elements needed to consider when performing a character; stands for Goal, Obstacle, Tactics, and Expectation.
H The half Usually half an hour before performance begins, a scheduled time in which all actors should be at the theatre.
Ham An actor who exaggerates, overacts, or steals the spotlight from other actors.
House Used to describe the theatre venue as well as the audience and performers.
I Intermission The break between the acts of a show or performance.
Improvisation Occurs when an actor performs without a script or prior preparation.
Indicating Exaggerated or unrealistic, often stereotypical acting.
Issue The act of leaving the stage.
To run Italians The action of reciting one's lines quickly; considered helpful in remembering lines.
L Leading lady The actress playing the main female role in a performance or play.
Leading man The actor playing the main male role in a performance or play.
Legs The curtains setup to frame the audience's view of a stage and hide the offstage areas.
LX The lighting crew, including designers, electricians, operators, and so on.