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Theatre Terms

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Theatre Terms (A-Z) Definition
PRODUCTION MANAGER Responsible for technical preparations, including budgeting and scheduling of productions.
PROFESSIONAL As opposed to nonprofessional or amateur, the term refers to people or a production, in which all who take part earn their living in the theatre.
PROFESSIONAL RELEASE A play licensed only to professional companies.
PROFESSIONAL RIGHTS A professional company is one that pays a salary to actors, directors, designers and other staff, whether or not the company is profit or not-for-profit. Rights for professional companies are normally based on a percentage of the gross, with an up-front payment against profits. The payment--based on seating capacity and ticket prices--is credited toward the total royalty due at the end of the run, typically based on 8-10% of the gross box office receipts, to be calculated and reported weekly.
PROFILE

"Profile" has various meanings, depending on the context:

  1. The body position of an actor whose right or left side is turned toward the audience.
  2. A shaped piece of scenery added to the edge of a flat instead of a straight edge. Also known as a cutout.
  3. A profile spot (or ellipsoidal reflector spotlight) is a versatile stage lighting fixture used to project a sharp-edged, focused beam of light, often with gobos for patterns, color gels, or framing shutters. Profiles can project a beam of light that can be either hard- or soft-edged. The lighting person can also adjust the size of the beam, either by adjusting the lenses or by using an iris, and also can shape the beam using an internal set of framing shutters.
PROJECTION

The throwing of an image onto the stage by means of light, for an optical or design effect.  

In the case of digital/scenic projections, this includes long-throw front projection, rear projection, and short/ultra-short front projection.

Long-throw front projection is a common installation, with a projector at the back of the house. However, this may throw the image on the actors as well, produce shadows, and wash out stage lighting.

With rear projection, the projector is placed backstage and the image is projected onto the back of a special translucent projection surface. This avoids the shadows that may come with front projection, but it also requires 8-15 feet of dedicated space behind the projection surface.

Ultra short-throw front projection is an increasingly popular method, with the projector rigged directly above the stage to avoid casting shadows. It’s often used for backdrops on a cyc or scrim, or for a rain effect on stage.

For a complete explanation, see our article, "Demystifying Digital Scenery."
PROMPT To tell an actor what speech or action is required next of him, especially if he forgets during rehearsal or performance.
PROMPT BOOK Master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, used by stage management to control the performance. Sometimes known as the "book."
PROMPT DESK The control center of the show. The desk should contain most of the following: a clock, low level lighting, a flat surface for the prompt script, communication facility to other technical departments, a phone for emergency, rear and front of house calls system and cue light controls.
PROMPTER A person who is charged with prompting.
PROP or PROPS Short for "property." Furnishings, set dressings, and all items large and small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or wardrobe. Props handled by actors are known as hand props, props which are kept in an actors costume are known as personal props.
Property Usually shortened to "prop" or "props." See cross-reference link for more information.
PROPPING The task, usually performed by stage management, of finding, borrowing, buying props for the production.
PROPS TABLE Table in convenient offstage area on which properties are prepared prior to a performance and to which they should be returned after use.
PROSCENIUM The opening in the wall that stands between stage and auditorium in some theatres; the picture frame through which the audience sees the play. The "fourth wall." Also proscenium arch.
PROSCENIUM STAGE A stage framed by a proscenium arch. This is the most common type of stage (others include thrust and arena.)
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM or PA SYSTEM

The venue or auditorium sound system. Usually shortened to "PA."
PUBLISHER More accurately, in most cases a publisher/agent. In many cases the publisher is also the representative through which one seeks a license. However, not all publishers are representatives (and not all representative are publishers). For example, Samuel French, Dramatists Play Service, I.E. Clark, and Music Theater International publish scripts and offer licenses. Book publishers such as Heinemann and Smith & Krause publish plays, but do not license productions. However, their books do include licensing information.
PULL FROM STOCK Retrieve scenic units, costumes, props, etc. from storage of a theatre company's stock from past productions for use in an upcoming production.
PUNCH LINE or PUNCHLINE A line of dialogue that carries particular emphasis for dramatic or comic effect. In comedy, a series of lines build one on the other, leading to the final line that brings the big laugh--the punch line.