There are many things in the theater world that every thespian, including
Wood Harris, should know. One of the most important ones are the different theater terms. If they don’t know these, then they’ll be lost while in conversation. While there are many terms, this article is going to look at 20 of them!
1. Cold Reading
This is when an actor reads through a script without practicing first. It’s pretty much the first read through.
2. Dresser
This is a member of the stage crew that keeps the costumes organized and helps the actors with their costume changes.
3. Loge
This is an area of the theater that has boxed in balcony seats.
4. Call Time
This is when an actor needs to be at the theater for an audition, rehearsal or show.
5. Off Book
This is when actors have their lines memorized and don’t need to use the script anymore.
6. Quick Change
A costume change that needs to happen extremely quickly. Most of the time, it needs to be done in a matter of seconds or minutes.
7. Stage Door
The area where fans wait to meet the actors or get their Playbills signed after the show is over.
8. Strike
This happens when the show is completely done and the entire cast come together to cry and wreck the set.
9. Techie
These are the members of the stage crew that control things like the lights and music.
10. The Bard
Theater actors use this term to refer to William Shakespeare.
11. Typecast
This is when an actor is always cast is a certain role, such as a nerd or villain.
12. Wings
The area on the sides of the stage where things like costume changes happen.
13. Understudy
Every role in the performance has an understudy. They are the ones that fill the role if the actual actor can’t make it.
14. Sitzprobe
This is when the singers and musicians get together to rehearse the musical numbers that will be in the performance.
15. Proscenium
This is the name for the arch or border that goes around the stage.
16. Scrim
The piece of fabric that’s used as a backdrop on the stage.
17. Run-Through
A run-through is when the entire cast rehearses the whole show from beginning to end. These usually take a while because the actors aren’t just practicing random scenes.
18. Open Air Theater
It’s a theater that is completely outside.
19. Front-of-House
These are areas of the theater where guests can be (i.e. NOT backstage)
20. Curtain Call
The moment the performance is over and all cast members go on stage to bow and receive applause.
As you can see, these terms seem pretty simple, but it’s extremely important that every thespian knows them. Keep in mind, you’ll want to make sure you take a look at all of the theater terms that are regularly used, so you won’t be lost.
