Theater Terminology

Front

Cue

Back

A signal for an actor or crew member to take a specific action.

Front

Improvisation (Improv)

Back

Acting without a script, creating dialogue and action spontaneously.

Front

Dialogue

Back

Spoken words exchanged between characters in a play.

Front

Actor/Actress

Back

A person who performs as a character in a play.

Front

Director

Back

The individual responsible for coordinating all aspects of a production during rehearsals and performances.

Front

Playwright

Back

The author of a play.

Front

Designer

Back

A person responsible for creating specific elements of the production, such as costumes, sets, or lighting.

Front

Upstage

Back

The part of the stage farthest from the audience.

Front

Downstage

Back

The part of the stage closest to the audience.

Front

Stage Left/Stage Right

Back

The side of the stage from the actor's perspective when facing the audience.