| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | act | major division of a play |
| 2. | adaptation | version altered from source |
| 3. | adjustment | specific performance change requested |
| 4. | apron | stage area before curtain line |
| 5. | articulation | distinct speech production |
| 6. | aside | remark heard by audience only |
| 7. | audition | tryout for a role |
| 8. | backstory | character history before the play |
| 9. | beat | small unit of dramatic action |
| 10. | black box | flexible plain performance space |
| 11. | blackout | sudden lights out |
| 12. | blocking | planned actor movement onstage |
| 13. | business | small stage action or detail |
| 14. | button | strong ending moment or line |
| 15. | callboard | posted production information board |
| 16. | cast | actors chosen for a production |
| 17. | cheat out | angle body toward audience |
| 18. | composition | visual arrangement onstage |
| 19. | cross | move across the stage |
| 20. | cue | signal for action or speech |
| 21. | curtain call | bows after the performance |
| 22. | cyclorama | curved background wall or cloth |
| 23. | dialogue | conversation between characters |
| 24. | diction | clarity of pronunciation |
| 25. | downstage | closer to the audience |
| 26. | dress rehearsal | full rehearsal in costume |
| 27. | ensemble | performers working as a unit |
| 28. | entrance | coming onto the stage |
| 29. | exit | leaving the stage |
| 30. | fade | gradual change in light |
| 31. | farce | broad comedy with absurdity |
| 32. | fight call | pre-show combat review |
| 33. | fight choreography | planned stage combat movement |
| 34. | focus | center of attention |
| 35. | gel | colored filter for lighting |
| 36. | gesture | expressive movement of body |
| 37. | given circumstances | facts of the character’s world |
| 38. | go | command to execute cue |
| 39. | gobo | template shaping a light beam |
| 40. | green room | waiting room for performers |
| 41. | ground plan | overhead layout of set |
| 42. | half-hour | thirty-minute pre-show call |
| 43. | hold | sustain a moment longer |
| 44. | house | audience seating area |
| 45. | improv | unscripted performance or exploration |
| 46. | intention | purpose behind an action |
| 47. | intermission | scheduled break in performance |
| 48. | interpretation | particular understanding of the play |
| 49. | levels | varying stage heights and positions |
| 50. | light cue | signal for a lighting change |
| 51. | line | spoken words in script |
| 52. | load-in | bring production elements in |
| 53. | load-out | remove production elements out |
| 54. | melodrama | heightened emotion and conflict |
| 55. | monologue | extended speech by one character |
| 56. | musical | play with songs and dance |
| 57. | naturalism | highly detailed realistic style |
| 58. | notes | director’s feedback after rehearsal |
| 59. | objective | character’s immediate goal |
| 60. | obstacle | thing blocking a goal |
| 61. | opening night | first official public performance |
| 62. | orchestra pit | area for musicians below stage |
| 63. | pace | speed of performance |
| 64. | pause | intentional brief silence |
| 65. | pickup | quick line after cue |
| 66. | preview | public performance before opening |
| 67. | projection | strong, clear vocal delivery |
| 68. | prompt book | master script with cues |
| 69. | prop | portable object used onstage |
| 70. | proscenium | framing arch of the stage |
| 71. | quick change | fast costume change backstage |
| 72. | realism | lifelike theatrical style |
| 73. | rehearsal | practice session before performance |
| 74. | relationship | connection between characters |
| 75. | revision | changed version of script or plan |
| 76. | rhythm | pattern of movement or speech |
| 77. | run-through | full rehearsal without stopping |
| 78. | scene | division of dramatic action |
| 79. | scrim | translucent theatrical fabric |
| 80. | script | written text of the play |
| 81. | set | scenic environment of the play |
| 82. | soliloquy | speech revealing private thoughts |
| 83. | spike | mark a stage position |
| 84. | stage left | actor’s left onstage |
| 85. | stage right | actor’s right onstage |
| 86. | staging | arrangement of action onstage |
| 87. | subtext | underlying meaning beneath dialogue |
| 88. | table read | first seated script reading |
| 89. | tableau | striking frozen stage picture |
| 90. | tactic | method used to achieve goal |
| 91. | tech rehearsal | rehearsal for technical elements |
| 92. | tempo | overall speed or rhythm |
| 93. | thrust | stage extending into audience |
| 94. | timing | precise sense of when |
| 95. | transition | shift between scenes or beats |
| 96. | understudy | backup performer for a role |
| 97. | upstage | farther from the audience |
| 98. | vision | director’s overall artistic plan |
| 99. | wash | broad, even stage lighting |
| 100. | wing | offstage side area |
