Theatre Terms
As a service to the theatre community, AACT provides over 1000 definitions of theatrical terms. Fully searchable, our glossary is helpful for technical staff, directors, actors, producers, or anyone wanting to better understand the inner workings of theatre.
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| Term | Definition | Link |
|---|---|---|
| EXPANDER | A piece of sound processing equipment that reduces background noise by muting a sound signal when it falls below a certain level, restoring it when the level increases again. Must be used on vocal microphones with care, because it may cut the signal off, although the vocalist is still singing quietly. | |
| EXPOSITION | An explanation, normally in the dialogue, of events preceding the beginning of a dramatic piece, and which the audience needs to know. Also, any plot-related information that is provided to help the audience understand actions that take place offstage. | |
| EXPOSITORY SCENE | A scene whose chief purpose is to provide exposition. | |
| EXPRESSIONISM | A theatrical method that emphasizes the inner emotional significance of a play rather than the mere exterior quality. The means to do this are unusual, from heavy symbolism to speeding up (or slowing down) the action, abstract sets and costumes, etc. The high point of expressionism was 1910-1925, and most practiced in Germany, although it can be found in American plays as well. | |
| EXTEMPORANEOUS | Impromptu, unrehearsed, unscripted. Thus, extemporize, extempore (from the Latin, meaning "out of the moment." | |
| EXTERIOR | A scene set out of doors, usually referring to a flat or backdrop representing such a scene. | |
| EXTRAVAGANZA | A light entertainment with music, an improbable plot (in the 19th century, usually a fairy tale), and a spectacular presentation, with colorful costumes, a large cast. Later, any spectacular presentation. | |
| F.B.O or FBO | Abbreviation for Fade to blackout (or fade to black). | Blackout |
| FABULOUS INVALID | The theatre, always amazingly vital despite its chronic financial and artistic setbacks. | |
| FADE | An increase, diminishment or change in lighting or sound level. | |
| FADE IN | To increase the illumination of the stage gradually through the use of dimmers. | |
| FADE OUT or FADEOUT | To decrease the illumination of the stage gradually through the use of dimmers, until the stage is totally dark. Also a noun: fadeout. | |
| FADER | Vertical slider which is used to remotely set the level of a lighting or sound channel. | |
| FAKE | (verb) 1) To ad lib, as in "to fake it." 2)To omit lines or business, or to execute business than it would take in real life. | |
| FALSE PROSCENIUM | A frame formed by scenic canvas or vertical flattage within the proscenium arch. Used to reduce the size of the opening when putting a small set onto a large stage. | |
| FALSE STAGE | Special stage floor laid for a production. For example to allow trucks guided by tracks cut into this false floor, to be moved by steel wires running in the shallow (2 or 3 inch) void between the false floor and the original stage floor. A false stage is also required for putting a revolve onto a stage. | |
| FARCE | A broadly comic dramatic work based on ludicrously improbable events, unsubtle in idea or characterization. Farce is typically fast and funny, with a great deal of action. By its very nature, farce commands an intense outpouring of energy, impeccable timing and a total immersion of the actor into his role | |
| FAT | A role, lines, or business offering an actor the opportunity to shine, or show what he/she can do. Thus, "a fat part." | |
| FEE | A royalty fee is charged per performance, with the amount depending on whether the producing company is professional or amateur. (See Amateur Rights, Professional Rights.) Some representatives charge a straight fee, with no distinction as to the number of seats or performances. Others charge one fee for the first performance and a lesser amount for each successive performance. Still others charge a fee based on the number of seats in the house, ticket price, number of performance, and company status (professional or amateur). There are three basic fees in licensing a musical: A royalty fee (per performance); a rental fee; and a refundable security deposit. | |
| FEED | 1) A power supply to a piece of equipment or installation is termed a "feed". Sound equipment and sensitive computer equipment should have a clean feed - that is, a supply that is free from interference from other equipment. 2) To help another actor get full effect from significant speech or action through the one's own preparatory speech or action. Thus a "feed line." |
