Theatre Terms | AACT

Theatre Terms

image of question markAs 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
JACK Segmented audio connector. Mono Jacks have two connections - tip and sleeve, and are unbalanced. Stereo jacks have three connections - tip, ring and sleeve. B-type jacks (also known as Bantam jacks) were originally designed for use in telephone exchanges and provide a high quality (and expensive) connection in jackfields. A-type jacks are cheaper and more common, but more fragile. A type jacks are available in 2 sizes : quarter inch and eighth inch.
JACK KNIFE STAGE or JACKKNIFE STAGE A stage used for rapid scene-shifting, consisting of a platform or two on casters, pivoted at one corner to swing off- and onstage. Thus, jackknife set.
JACOBEAN DRAMA The English drama of the reign of James I (1603-1625), sometimes extended to 1642.
JUMPER An adapter from one type of electrical connector to another. Also applicable to sound cables.
JUVENILE The role of a young man; also an actor who plays such a role. The female equivalent is "ingénue."
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