Shows Dictionary
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amphitheater: A theater built outdoors, typically with tiered seating surrounding or partially encircling the stage.
apron: Also referred to as the forestage; the part of the stage that is just to the front of the curtain line.
aside: A method of speaking directly to the audience as part of a character's scripting but without any perceived notice from the other actors. Internal thoughts of characters are usually asides.
at rise: A verbal or physical method of explaining the point at which a play begins as the curtain rises.
avant-garde: A long-standing trend in which a production may seem far ahead of its time with regard to popular acceptance. Avant-garde is typically used to describe Off-Off-Broadway performances.
big number: A song in a musical that is very expressive in tone, pitch and sound level that, when used sparingly, is very exciting and adds a sense of "peak" for the audience.
center stage: The central area of the stage that can expand to include upstage and downstage portions.
chamber musical: A musical designed to play to a smaller audience in a more intimate setting.
complication: The component of a play in which a newly introduced element purposely delays the final outcome, much like a second storyline.
concept musical: A performance created without a plot or with the plot as a very minor part of the presentation.
downstage: An area toward the front of a theatrical stage; also referred to as "below stage."
dress circle: An elite seating section just above the orchestra and in the lower balcony.
DruryLane Theatre: Located in London's Covent Garden and home to many of Europe's large-scale musicals.
eleven o'clock number: Sometimes the climactic portion of a musical and quite often the song that reveals a reawakening of the character during any part of the play.
ensemble group: A group of performers that act as a team, rather than presenting pieces that have one or two lead roles.
entr'acte: The opening score in the second act of a play or musical that can either be performed by the pit orchestra or by the stage characters; also a French word for intermission.
entrance: The physical act of coming onstage; also the style with which an actor makes that appearance.
episodic structure: A play in which many scenes evolve, including numerous subplots, all of which cover a longer timeframe than a typical linear storyline.
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