Glossary

=Looking for meaning?= Aren't we all.

The trouble with glossaries and other reference material is that they don’t agree with each other.

I don’t wish to reinvent the wheel so I’ve listed some terms I use in the guide. After the list are annotated links to other online reference material.

If you have suggestions for more theatrical terms, leave them in the green room and I'll put them up.

off-book rehearsals. || __**Annotated material**__
 * Audition || a sample performance by an actor. ||
 * Back-story || story and situational information supplied to actors regarding a scene in an audition or reading. It adds context not apparent from the scene itself e.g. the character just heard some great news before starting the scene. ||
 * Callback || when an actor has already done an initial audition and is invited to return. ||
 * Character profile || a short biography of the character used to provide information to actors. ||
 * Cold read || to perform material, often at an audition, from a script with very short or no preparation. ||
 * French scene || a scene in a play in which the beginning and end of the scene are defined by the entrance of a new character or exit of one of the existing characters, rather than by the lights going up or down or the set being changed. ||
 * Green room || lounge backstage for the cast and crew. ||
 * Improvisation || the practice of creating on the spot and in response to the immediate reality at the time. ||
 * Off-book || when actors no longer requires using the script for dialogue or blocking in rehearsal, they are said to be off-book. ||
 * Off-book k rehearsals || rehearsals when actors are not using their script for the first or second time. Usually a frustrating time for actors and marked by a momentary loss of character and artistic development. ||
 * One-minute rule || one minute of performance equals one hour of rehearsal excluding production week and
 * Production week || also known as technical week or tech week, it starts when the cast moves into the performance space and production elements of set, costume, lights, and sound are added. A time of long hours and much activity. ||
 * Script analysis || examination of the script or text of a play for such elements as theme, structure, story, and character development. ||
 * Sides || pages of the script used by actors in an audition. ||
 * Unit breakdown || some times referred to as a script breakdown or breaking down the script. You make a unit breakdown by dividing the play into sections or units for the purposes of rehearsing and making a rehearsal schedule. ||

I have to admit that some aren’t here as they are so mired in EXTREMELY annoying ads that I couldn’t stand them.

Theatre Terms, at ELAC Theatrepedia
A short list of terms, primarily movements and genres in the theatre world. Searchable.

Theatrecrafts - Entertainment Technology Resources - Glossary of Technical Theatre Terms
In the words of the author, “This glossary listing is based in the UK. I have included US terms where known.” As the title suggests, more of an emphasis on technical theatre terms. Current and updated often. There are different modes of searching for information and annoying ads over key information on the main page.

Glossary from Theatre on a Shoestring
Apparently the shoestring applies to the glossary design. The alphabet letters links at the top of the page don’t work. Neither do the “Back to top” breadcrumbs. The yellow letter on red background design is a bit tough on the eyes. A mixed bag of terms, American slant.

Technical Theatre Terms Dictionary
“This large reference work of technical theater terms serves as a full and comprehensive listing of technical jargon used by theatre technicians across the globe. It provides acronyms and phrases relevant to theatre mechanical and electrical devices, equipment etc. It is appreciable for the concise and very professional definitions.” Huh. Hard to find as it’s poorly positioned. For the tech folks. Quite tech folks.

Wikipedia:WikiProject Stagecraft/Terminology
It’s Wikipedia. You can contribute.