Theatrical Terms

Acapella - Singing without musical accompaniment. Agent - The person who functions as your salesperson. The agent is paid a commission, usually 10% of your earnings, in exchange for finding you a job. Audition - Trying out for a show, commercial, theater show, movie, etc. Blocking - Determining the movement and actions of the actors on the stage Call back - Request for an actor/actress to audition again because of an interest based on the first audition. Downstage - The front of the stage from the audience's point of view; the part of the stage closest to the audience. Dresser - A person who helps the performer change costumes between scenes usually when quick changes are required because the performer is due back on stage. Equity - A member of the Actor's Equity Association (AEA), synonymous with being "union" Go-See - Trying-out for a print ad. You go, they see. Golden Day - A day off- no performances. Green Room - The waiting room backstage. This is usually where hospitality is served if there is any. Hospitality - Consists of serving anything from just coffee and tea to a variety of refreshments to the works, a variety of cold and to hot foods as well as dessert and snacks. Hospitality is either included in the contract that the presenter has with the theatrical company or not. Interview - A meeting with a manager or agent. Manager - A talent representative who guides you through your career. In exchange for his/her services, the manager is paid a commission, usually 15% of your earnings, performing. Non-Equity - Not a member of the Actor's Equity Association (AEA). synonymous with being "non-union". Pit - The area of the theatre where the orchestra resides during the performance. Presenter - The people that arrange the financing to buy the show and put the show on locally in their area. Resume' - A one-page synopsis of your experience, training and special skills. Sound Check - Testing and adjusting the sound in a particular venue in preparation for the show. This is done by having some or all of the speaking/singing cast on stage doing a small portion of their role prior to the start of the performance while the sound operator makes the necessary adjustments. Swing Dancer - Understudy for any/all dancers in the show. Upstage - The back of the stage from the audience's point of view. Wrangler - The person responsible for supervising the children backstage. This person is not only responsible for monitoring behavior but, also making sure that the children are at the stage when their part comes up.