Theatre Terms: Your Easy‑to‑Read Glossary

Ever walked into a play and felt lost when the announcer mentioned a "proscenium" or a "cue"? You’re not alone. The theatre world loves its own slang, but you don’t need a dictionary to keep up. Below you’ll find the most common words broken down in plain language, plus a few insider tips on how they’re used day‑to‑day.

Common Performance Terms

Proscenium – The big frame that separates the stage from the audience. Think of it as an invisible rectangle you’re looking through.

Stage Left / Stage Right – Directions for the actors, not the audience. When you face the audience, stage left is your left, stage right is your right.

Blocking – The choreographed movement of actors on stage. It’s the map that tells each performer where to stand, walk, or sit during a scene.

Cue – A signal that tells someone to start speaking, move, or turn on a light. Cues can be spoken, musical, or visual.

Monologue – A long speech delivered by one actor, usually revealing a character’s thoughts or backstory.

Understudy – An actor who learns another’s role in case the main performer can’t go on. They’re the safety net for the show.

Backstage and Production Lingo

Fly System – The rigging that raises and lowers scenery, lights, or curtains. When you hear “fly in the set,” that’s what it means.

Prompt – The person (often called the “stage manager”) who calls cues and keeps the show on time.

Tech Rehearsal – The run‑through where lighting, sound, and scenery are tested with the actors. It’s the final puzzle piece before opening night.

Strike – The process of taking down the set after a run ends. It’s the opposite of a “load‑in.”

Props – Any objects actors handle on stage, from a teacup to a sword. Props are split into “hand props” (held) and “set props” (stay on the scenery).

Green Room – The waiting area where actors relax before they go on. It’s not actually green; the name is just theatre tradition.

Knowing these words helps you follow a performance without getting stuck on jargon. Next time you’re at a local play, listen for the terms above and you’ll instantly feel more in the loop.

Quick tip: Keep a small notebook or phone note with the words you hear most often. Jot down the definition in your own words. After a few shows, the glossary will become second nature, and you’ll sound like a seasoned theatre‑goer.

Whether you’re a parent taking kids to a school production, a student joining a drama club, or just a curious audience member, this guide gives you the basics to enjoy any show without confusion. The stage is full of magic; now you have the language to describe it.