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 |
|---|---|---|
| STEP ON THE LAUGHS | To proceed to another line too soon after a joke or punch line, cutting short an expected laugh. | |
| STOCK | Stock | |
| STOCK COMPANY | An acting company whose members play all the roles in a series of plays, as opposed to casting each play separately. | Stock |
| STOCK RIGHTS | Royalty paid for a play used by a stock company. | Stock |
| STOCK SCENERY | A variety of scenic units that a theatre has available in storage and can be used and reused for productions. | Pull from Stock |
| STRIKE | To take down a set after a production has closed. The use of the word "strike" in the theatrical sense of taking down scenery was recorded more than one hundred years ago--although builders had used the word as early as the 17th century to mean "remove" and sailors to mean "lower" (a mast or sail) in the 14th century. Today, it is usual to strike a set directly after the final performance, and there is good reason for doing so--a full complement of workers, both cast and crew. | |
| STROBE | Short for stroboscope. A device giving a fast series of very short intense light flashes which can have the effect of making action appear intermittent. Because strobe lighting can trigger an epileptic attack in sufferers, the use of a strobe must be communicated to the audience before the performance begins. Regulations exist governing the maximum length of time for which a strobe can be used. | |
| SWAG | A particularly artistic way of drawing a set of tabs (drapes) diagonally up at the same time as flying them out. | |
| SWING | (1) A member of the company of a musical or play who understudies one of the leads and is also in the chorus, but doesn't have a character name in the chorus. (2) An off-stage performer responsible for covering any number of ensemble tracks. |
