Musical Theatre Vocabulary Lesson 1

General Terms Blocking: the development of movements of actors on stage in relation to other actors and scenery/props Catharsis: the purging of an emotion Cold reading: reading a script for the first time Call: a request that an actor come to stage On-book: actor requires script Off-book: lines are memorized Props: items manipulated by the actor Tactics: actions the actor assigns Objective: ultimate goal of an actor

Parts of the Stage Apron: the section of the stage that projects into the auditorium CL (center line): imaginary line that runs through the stage Curtain Line: imaginary line across the stage where the curtain would be if it were closed Pit: refers to an area of a theatre in which the orchestra is seated Proscenium Arch: the frame through which the audience sees a performance Vomitory: entrance to the auditorium located in the seating area Wings: the sides of the stage that are not in audience sight

Stage Diagram https://performingarts.wikispaces.com/file/view/Stage+Directions.pdf Raked stage: a stage that slopes upward toward the upstage or back end Raked Auditorium: audience seating that is arranged in a forward sloping manner House: Audience Tech Booth: booth (usually located behind the audience) where light and sound cues are executed

Main Theatrical Positions Producer: initiates a production and finds the funds for creating a production Director: hires SM and performers SM (Stage Manager): The position has a unique function because it serves the dual function of assistant to the director and production staff during the rehearsal period and then becomes the person in charge of the production during the actual performance ASM (Assistant Stage Manager): helps SM carry out duties

Main Theatrical Positions Stage Crew: facilitate technical aspects of a run FOH (Front of House): those who work directly with the audience: Theatre Manager, ushers, concessions Set designer: creates plans for the set design Prop Master: creates props for a production Sound Designer: selects and creates sound effects Lighting Designer: creates the lighting plot Performers: actors, dancers, chorus Dramaturg: specialist in theatre who may be called upon to advise actors, directors, and producers in aspects of the production

Theatrical Procedures Initiation of a production: conducted by a producer, who then hires an artistic team: director, set designer, choreographer, technicians, SM, etc. Casting: the selection process of performers Rehearsal: a series of sessions necessary in preparing performers and stage crew for a run Load-in: preparing the theatre for a production Opening: the first performance Run: the number of times a production is scheduled Strike: the removal of set at the end of a run

Terms to know for Quiz 1! Blocking Catharsis Call Off-book Prop Tactic Objective House SM Strike