1. Musical Theatre
Vocabulary
Lesson 1

2. 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

3. 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

4. Stage Diagram
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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