Do you know the definitions for these theater terms?
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42 Terms
11 O'Clock Number
Typically, a showstopping song near the end of act two in which a character experiences a profound realization. In the past, most Broadway shows began at 8:30 p.m., so the number would occur around 11 p.m.
Ad Lib
To create dialogue or movement on the spot that isn’t planned
Backstage
The area behind the stage which an audience does not see
Blocking
The actor’s stage directions, where they stand or move throughout the course of the show
Book/Libretto
The play or musical’s script
Box Office
The place in a theater where tickets are sold or reservations are managed
Break a Leg
A phrase told to a performer to wish them good luck on an audition or before a performance
Call Time
The time when cast and crew are expected to arrive at the theater for a rehearsal or a performance
Cast Member
A performer in the show
Choreographer
The person who creates and oversees the dance portions (or other important movement) in the show
Chorus/Ensemble Member
Performers who do not have big roles in the show but sing and dance in many of the production numbers
Company
The collective cast and crew of the show
Control Booth/Sound Booth
The enclosed area where technicians operate the lighting, audio, and other technical equipment used in the show
Costume
The clothes worn by an actor in a show
Crew Member
A person who typically works behind the scenes in a show to help the show run smoothly from a technical standpoint
Curtain Call
The moment after the show ends when the actors take their bow
Director
The person running the show during rehearsals who is in charge of the actors, the blocking, and the creative vision of the show
Downstage
The part of the stage that is closest to the audience
Dresser
The person who helps an actor change into and out of their costume
Dressing Room
The area backstage where an actor may change into a costume, apply makeup, or prepare their wigs
House Manager
The overseer of all front-of-house operations including the box office, ushering, and any audience member’s questions or concerns
I Am Song
A song in the show in which a character expresses their feelings or identity.
I Want Song
A song that typically occurs early in act one in which a character expresses their desire or motivation which sets up their journey and the musical’s plot
Lighting Designer
The person who designs the lighting in a show
Matinee
A performance during the afternoon
Notes
Directions given to cast and crew during rehearsal or after a performance
Off Book
The point in which a performer has memorized all of their lines and no longer needs to use a script in rehearsal
Orchestra
The collective musicians who play a show’s live music
Orchestra Pit
The spot where musicians play their instruments during the show
Prop
An item that a performer uses in a show that isn’t part of the set or a costume
Rehearsal
The period when actors work on the show without an audience
Reprise
A song or section of a song that is repeated in the score
Set Designer
The person who designs the sets used in a production
Sound Designer
The person who creates and designs the audio used in a show
Stage Left
The left side of a stage from the performer’s point of view while facing the audience
Stage Manager
The person in charge of everything on the stand and backstage
Stage Right
The right side of a stage from the performer’s point of view while facing the audience
Title Character/Titular Character
A character whose name is listed or referenced in the title of the show
Title Song
A song that has the same name as the show in which it appears
Trap
A concealed opening in the stage floor through which actors, props, or scenery can enter or exit a scene
Understudy
A performer who learns a role and can perform it when the original cast member is unable to play a performance
Upstage
The area of the stage that is farthest away from the audience. It can also refer to the act of a performer drawing the audience’s attention away from another cast member