Tag: wood harris

Wood-Harris
Education

20 Theater Terms That Every Thespian Should Be Familiar With

Taylor
Wood-Harris

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.

Wood Harris
Education

4 Best Colleges For Aspiring Actors

Taylor
Wood Harris

Acting for a living is a dream that many individuals wish to pursue. Living among the stars can seem like a daydream for some. However, it is entirely possible to live among other celebrities. It takes years of hard work to make it in the film industry as well as making the right connections. Some of these connections can begin whenever you start learning the fundamentals of acting in college. However, many people have a difficult time picking the right college for them. We have a guide of some of the best acting departments in universities across the country that can provide you with a high-quality education in acting.

North Illinois University

This incredibly prestigious school holds a theater arts program that many famous celebrities have come from such as Wood Harris. Though students have to audition for the program, anyone with enough dedication can make it to the top. Students are required to do one season of an internship with SummerNITE, the School of Theater and Dance. This will help them get the edge that they need in order to advance further with their acting careers.

Rutgers University

This university is close to New York City and provides an expansive theater department for its students. The small school houses a big-campus vibe that most certainly delivers many opportunities for aspiring actors alike. The B.F.A. program of this school is not to be overlooked and has provided for some of the best talents in the industry. The program focuses on the Meisner technique, which is a “truthful instrument” that helps students identify personal meaning in everything that they do. The third year at this school is spent abroad so that students can experience other cultures around the world that will help them expand their skillset.

Syracuse University

While freshmen who are pursuing their BFA at Syracuse University aren’t allowed to perform during the first year, the intensity of the first year helps them develop into successful actors. The actors are trained with conservatory-style training, a toolbox-like approach to developing techniques, and a Wednesday lab that is dedicated to teaching students about creating theater. These techniques help develop young actors quickly in an almost boot camp-like environment. If Broadway is your endgame goal, then Syracuse University is for you. They are currently among one of the top schools in the country to produce successful actors that will go on to perform in Broadway.

University of Michigan

The performing arts department of this school is nothing to laugh about when it comes to producing successful actors. Students will be trained with the physical and mental demands that come with theater thanks to some of the best teachers in the industry. The university houses a low-student-to-teacher ratio. This means that students can spend more hands-on time with their instructors to learn more intensely about performing arts. Though the university is best-known for its football team, serious aspiring actors should heavily consider coming here for an education.

Finding The Right College for You

Acting is more than just a dream for some people. It is a passion in which drives their lives further every day. However, it should be noted that everyone can benefit from a proper education in performing arts. This will expand their repertoire and allow them to make the contacts necessary to be successful in the industry. These schools that we have listed are some of the best in the country. Their reputation precedes them when it comes to educating actors on how to perform. Use this guide to help you advance your acting career further if you so desire.