Theatre Terms
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- Enter a word in the "Search Terms and Definitions" box.
- For example, entering the word "curtain" would display all terms whose definition includes that particular word.
- When in doubt, use the simplest version of the term--for example, search for "prop" instead of "props" or "properties," and "Fade" instead of "Cross-Fade."
| Theatre Terms (A-Z) Sort descending | Definition |
|---|---|
| SPILL | Unwanted light onstage. |
| SPINE | In the Stanislavksi method, the dominant trait in the character assumed by the actor. |
| SPLITTER | A common term used for any cable that has a single connector on one end, and a dual connector on the other. |
| SPOT | |
| SPOTLIGHT or SPOT | General term for any lighting instrument with a lens system, allowing the light to be focused.. |
| SQUELCH | Control on a radio microphone receiver for fine-tuning the reception according to the surroundings. |
| STAGE CENTER or CENTER STAGE | Generally speaking, the center of the acting area. Stage Center is considered to be the most visible, and therefore the most prominent, spot on the stage, as evident in the phrase "taking center stage," which has become common in non-theatrical situations, as well: "In recent weeks, the new senate candidate has managed to take center stage." |
| STAGE CONVENTION | Any action that would be odd in real life, but accepted as normal on stage, such as a stage whisper, ensemble singing, spotlighting, the use of verse, mistaken identities, soliloquies, etc. |
| STAGE DIRECTIONS | The printed instructions to actors and/or directors found in published plays, as in "John pauses and considers Mary's words, then walks to the window and peers out." |
| STAGE DIRECTOR | The director is responsible for shaping every aspect of the final performance—from the actors' performances to the setting and design choices. Directors audition and cast actors; assemble and oversee the production team; provide design directives; lead rehearsals; and manage the production schedule of the project, ensuring that all the moving parts connect. They also supply a unifying understanding of the text and a particular vision for the production, which might mean a unique setting, a visual style or mood, or an interesting design concept that plays off themes in the text. |
| STAGE ELECTRICIAN | Member of the electrics staff whose responsibility it is to set or clear electrics equipment during scene changes. May also carry out color changes on booms, etc. |
| STAGE LEFT | Actor's left when facing the audience. |
| STAGE MANAGER | The Head of the stage management team comprising the deputy stage manager (DSM) and assistant stage manager (ASM). The DSM is normally "on the book" calling the cues from the prompt corner. The ASM supervises props. Depending on the needs of the production, there may be a team of stagehands, usually casual employees. |
| STAGE RIGHT | Actor's right when facing the audience. |
| STAGE SCREW | A large screw which is screwed through the "foot" of a stage brace to secure it to a strong wooden floor. Only suitable for use in theatres with non-precious wooden floors. |
| STAGECRAFT or STAGE CRAFT | Skill in--or the art of--producing or participating in the production of a dramatic piece, especially in the technical area. |
| STANISLAVSKI or STANISLAVSKY | Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski (1863- 1938) created a performance technique that had an enormous effect on contemporary American acting, and he developed a system of actor training that became widely accepted throughout the world. Stanislavsky decided that a technique was needed that would guide the actor and create a "favorable condition for the appearance of inspiration." His system does not consist of a fixed set of rules but of practical approaches to the physical and mental preparation of the actor and to the creation of a character. |
| STAR DROP or STARCLOTH | Creates a star-like effect by incorporating small, low-voltage lights sewn into the fabric of the drop. |
| STATE | In lighting terms, a lighting "picture" ; each lighting cue results in a different state (or a modified state). |
| STEAL or STEAL FOCUS | An actor's seizure of the attention of the audience when he has no right to it, as by unfairly moving upstage center so that he commands the best position, forcing other actors to turn their backs to the audience |