Acting and Theater Glossary of Terms

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Every Acting and Theater Term You Need to Know

Stepping into the world of acting can feel thrilling, but hearing a lot of unfamiliar terms being tossed around on set or in rehearsal can easily make you feel overwhelmed. Whether you're preparing for your first audition, joining a theater program, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, it's a good idea to start by understanding the language of the industry.

Action: What a director says to signal the start of a scene on set

Ad-Lib: To improvise lines or movements that aren't in the script

Advance: A payment given to secure an actor's commitment to a project before work begins

Aside: A line spoken directly to the audience, not heard by other characters in the scene

Back to One: A cue for actors to return to their starting positions to redo a scene or take

Background: Actors who appear in non-speaking roles to fill out a scene, often referred to as "extras"

Beat: A pause in dialogue or a shift in a character's intention or emotion

Black Out: A sudden turning off of all stage lights, typically signaling the end of a scene or act

Blocking: The precise movement and positioning of actors on stage or on camera

Booking: The act of being officially hired for a role in a production

Call Sheet: A daily schedule distributed to cast and crew detailing call times, scenes to be shot, and other essential information

Call Time: The time an actor is required to arrive for a rehearsal, shoot, or performance

Camera Left/Right: Directions from the perspective of the camera operator. "Camera left" is the actor's right, and "camera right" is the actor's left.

Camera-Ready: Being fully prepared for filming, including wardrobe, hair, and makeup

Casting: The process of selecting actors for roles in a production

Cheating Out: Angling the body slightly toward the audience or camera while still appearing to face another character.

Closing Off: When an actor turns away from the audience

Cold Read: Reading a script aloud for the first time with little or no preparation, usually at an audition

Commission: A percentage of an actor's earnings taken by their agent or manager as payment for their services

Craft Services: The provision of snacks and drinks on set for the cast and crew

Cue: A signal for an actor to begin speaking or moving

Cut: A command to stop filming, usually given by the director

Dailies: Unedited footage shot during the day that's reviewed to assess performance and continuity

Demo Reel: A compilation of an actor's previous work, showcasing their range and skills to potential employers

Dialogue: The spoken words between characters in a scene

Downstage/Upstage: Directions on a stage. "Downstage" means closer to the audience; "upstage" means farther away.

Dress Rehearsal: A full run-through of a performance with all elements, including costumes, props, and lighting, in place

Ensemble: A group of actors in a performance where no single actor is the main focus

Exit: A stage direction indicating when an actor should leave the stage

Feature: A full-length film, typically more than 60 minutes in duration

Fourth Wall: The imaginary wall between actors and the audience. Breaking the fourth wall means speaking directly to the audience.

FX (Special Effects): Visual or audio effects used to enhance scenes, such as explosions or sound distortions

Green Room: A waiting area where performers relax before going onstage or on camera

Headshot: A professional photo used by actors for auditions and casting opportunities

Hitting Your Mark: Standing in the exact spot you're supposed to for the camera or stage lights to catch you properly

Hot Set: A set that is fully prepared and should not be altered, as it's ready for immediate filming

Improvisation: Performing without a script, making up the dialogue and actions on the spot

Mark: A physical spot (usually taped on the floor) where an actor needs to stand or move to during a scene

Method Acting: A technique in which actors draw from personal experiences to connect deeply with their characters

Monologue: A speech by one character

Motivation: The reason behind a character's actions or words

Off Book: When an actor has memorized all of their lines and no longer needs to hold the script

On Book: Actors who are still using their scripts during rehearsals, as they haven't memorized their lines yet

Overacting: Performing in a way that is exaggerated or unnatural

Props: Objects actors use during a performance (like books, phones, or cups)

Scene Partner: The actor(s) you're performing a scene with

Script: The written text of a play, show, or film, including dialogue and stage directions

Stage Directions: Notes in a script that describe movement, actions, or emotional tone

Take: A single recording of a scene during filming. Directors may shoot many takes to get the right one.

Typecasting: Casting an actor repeatedly in similar roles based on their appearance, personality, or previous roles

Understudy: An actor who learns another role in case they need to perform it if the main actor is unavailable

Voiceover (VO): A recorded voice used in a production, not seen on screen but heard over visuals

Wardrobe: The costume an actor wears for a role

Wrap: A term used to signal the end of filming for a scene, day, or project

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