Theatre Arts Terminology

dramaturg

a person who performs a variety of tasks to assist with the production of the play

director

the person who interprets a play, casts, blocks and helps actors develop their character

stage manager

person ho directs the backstage crews

ensemble

group of actors working together to create an artistic whole

casting

process of selecting actors for roles

blocking

director's planned movement for characters

cross

an actor's move from one side of the stage to another

tableau

a visual effect in which actors create a picture by standing in a frozen position

body language

using expressions and body movement to communicate rather than words

cheat out

playing a bit towards the audience while conversing with others on stage

strike

to remove something from the set

improvisations

an impromptu scene where actors make up dialog and action

pantomime

telling a story or presenting an idea through bodily movement rather than words

props

set furnishings

set

scenery used onstage

tragedy

a drama in which a protagonist struggles against some force

comedy

a play that ends happily and arouses laughter

rehearsal

a session when the play is practiced in preparation

proscenium stage

a stage with a permanent framed opening where the audience sees the play

fourth wall

imaginary wall through which the audience views play