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.
HOW TO SEARCH:
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 |
|---|---|---|
| INTERPOLATION | Dialogue, song, or stage business inserted into a script by a performer or director. Interpolation is illegal in copyrighted works without the permission of the author(s) or their representative (agent). | |
| IRIS | Adjustable aperture which, when placed in the gate of a profile instrument, varies the size of a beam of light. Originally, iris diaphragm. | |
| IRISING | Using the adjustable aperture on a lighting instrument to reduce the size of the light beam hitting the stage. If the aperture permits it, the size of the beam can be made quite small (referred to as "the button", or closed altogether. |
