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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Click on a letter (A-Z) below to find terms beginning with the specified letter, OR enter a word in "Search for Term" OR search by entering a word in "Words in Definition." For example, entering the word "curtain" would display all words whose definition includes that word. (Note: If the A-Z or word search has been activated, it must be reset before using "Search for Term" or "Words in Definition." To reset the A-Z search: Click Here)
| Term | Definition | Link |
|---|---|---|
| CHILDREN'S THEATRE | A theatre specializing in entertainment for children. The onstage participants may nor may not be children themselves. | |
| CHINAGRAPH PENCIL | Usually white, wax-based pencil used for marking magnetic tape prior to splicing. Also used for marking identifying numbers of lighting gels. | |
| CHOREOGRAPHER | One who designs (and often directs) the dances and stage movement in a musical production. | |
| CHOREOGRAPHY | The creation and preparation of stage dances. | |
| CHORINE | A former term for a chorus girl. | |
| CHORUS | 1) A group of singers and/or dancers performing as a unit; group singing or dancing; a song or part of a song to be sung by more than on person. 2) A group or even a single actor who provides commentary on the action of a play, as in a Greek tragedy. 3) In musical theatre, songs traditionally were constructed in verse-chorus format. The verse sets up the song and is often particular to character and situation; the chorus is the main tune and the one most people remember. For example, in "The Surry With the Fringe On Top," the verse begins "When I take you out tonight with me…." and the chorus begins "Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry" and continues to the end of the song. | |
| CIRCLE | The balcony with tiered seating above the stalls. Also known as Dress Circle or Grand Circle. | |
| CIRCUIT | 1) The means by which a instrument is connected to a dimmer or patch panel. Numbered for reference. 2) A complete electrical "loop" around which current can flow. | |
| CIRCUIT BREAKER | An electro-mechanical "fuse" that can be reset, rather than having to be replaced. Available in the same ratings as fuses. | |
| CLAPTRAP or CLAP-TRAP | Originally, a noisemaking device used to stimulate applause. Now, any exaggerated or artificial gesture, rhetorical delivery, or content. | |
| CLAQUE | A group of people hired to lead the applause. | |
| CLASSIC ACTING | An acting style marked by restraint and formality in the depiction of passion, by polished, stately movement, gesture, and delivery. | |
| CLASSICAL DRAMA | Greek and Roman drama; drama that imitates Greek or Roman models. | |
| CLEAR | A command by the stage manager before the curtain rises to get stagehands and unneeded actors off the stage. Also "Clear the stage." | |
| CLEAT | Piece of timber or metal for tying off a rope line. Used when flying or for holding scenic pieces together with a cleat line. | |
| CLEAT LINE | Rope passed through cleats on two adjacent flats alternately to hold the flats together. | |
| CLIMAX | The point in a dramatic work, or one of its parts, at which the interest or emotional effect is most intense. In acting, a rising climax is marked by quicker movement and a higher pitch of the voice, and a falling climax by no less suspense but by a seemingly calmer demonstration of intensity. | |
| CLIPPING | Distortion in a sound signal caused by an amplifier or mixer being unable to handle the level of signal being fed to it. | |
| CLOSE | 1) To conclude or end a production. A show closes at the end of its last performance. 2) To perform in the last number on a program, as in "She closed the show with a salute to the Armed Forces." | |
| CLOTH | Drop |
