Acting Glossary

What a character does to achieve their objective; expressed as an active, playable verb such as 'to convince,' 'to intimidate,' or 'to comfort.'

A brief remark made by a character to the audience that other characters on stage are not meant to hear, revealing the speaker's private thoughts.

The smallest unit of action in a scene, defined by a shift in tactic or objective. Also used colloquially to mean a brief pause in dialogue.

The choreographed staging of actors' movements, positions, and spatial relationships on stage or set during a performance.

A second or subsequent audition to which selected actors are invited after an initial round of auditions, typically involving more detailed work with the director.

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a narrative, from their initial state to their final state.

Performing a piece of text with little or no prior preparation, commonly required during auditions.

A signal — such as a line of dialogue, sound effect, or lighting change — that prompts an actor or technician to perform a specific action.

The area of the stage closest to the audience. Originates from the era of raked stages where the front was physically lower.

A technique in which actors recall personal sensory experiences to access emotions similar to those required in a scene.

A group of actors who work together as a unified creative unit, sharing equal importance in the production rather than centering on individual stars.

The total set of environmental, historical, and situational conditions established by the playwright that define the world of the play.

Creating dialogue, action, and story spontaneously without a script. Used as a rehearsal tool and as a standalone performance form.

Stanislavski's technique of asking 'What would I do if I were in these circumstances?' to connect the actor's own impulses to the character's situation.

Lee Strasberg's adaptation of Stanislavski's system, emphasizing deep psychological identification and emotional memory to create authentic performances.

An extended speech delivered by one character, either to other characters present on stage or as a soliloquy to the audience.

What a character wants in a given scene; the driving force behind their actions, typically expressed as an infinitive verb phrase.

The technique of producing sufficient vocal volume and clarity to be heard by the entire audience without straining or shouting.

A theater system in which a resident company of actors performs multiple shows in rotation, allowing actors to develop versatility across many roles.

The systematic study of a play's text to understand its structure, themes, character relationships, and the playwright's intentions.

Recreating the physical sensations of a past experience to produce truthful responses in imaginary circumstances on stage.

A dramatic device in which a character speaks their inner thoughts aloud, alone on stage, directly revealing their mind to the audience.

Directions as seen from the actor's perspective facing the audience. Stage left is the actor's left; stage right is the actor's right.

The unspoken thoughts, feelings, and meanings that underlie the written dialogue and are communicated through behavior and vocal quality.

The area of the stage farthest from the audience. Also used as a verb meaning to draw focus away from another actor.