The part of the theatre accommodating the audience during the performance. Sometimes known as the "house". From the Latin Audio - "I hear"e

The part of the stage and theatre which is out of the sight of the audience. The service areas of the theatre, behind, beside or underneath the stage. Also refers to the personnel who work in the technical departments that work to create the performance, alongside the actors and musicians. 

A call given by Stage Management to bring those actors who appear in the first part of a play to the stage. e.g. "Act One Beginners to the stage, please". The actors/actresses are then called by name.

A similar call is given after the interval (e.g. "Act Two Beginners to the stage please").

The call is usually given 5 minutes before the advertised performance start time, but this may vary depending on how long the actors take to get into position.

See also HALF, QUARTER.

The process of arranging moves to be made by the actors during the play, recorded by stage management in the prompt script. Positions at the start of scenes are noted, as are all movements around the stage (using terms such as 'Gardener X DSL' meaning the Gardener crosses to downstage left.) It must be described in minute detail, but simple enough to enable anyone to read and understand it. As well as being used to 'run the show' the prompt book is also used for the rehearsal of the understudies. 

Stages which are not end-on must often use alternative notation, sometimes based on the clock face or the points of a compass.

1) A notification of a working session (eg a Rehearsal Call, Band Call, Photo Call). A rehearsal call for the next day / week used to be posted on a Call Sheet on the stage door noticeboard, but is now often an online document, updated by the stage management team. 

2) The period of time to which the above call refers. (eg "Your call for tomorrow nights show is 6.55pm")

3) A request for an actor to come to the stage because an entrance is imminent (these are courtesy calls and should not be relied on by actors - eg "This is your call for the finale Mr Smith and Miss Jones")

4) An acknowledgement of applause (eg Curtain Call)

5) The DSM on the book is said to be "calling the cues".

6) The Colour Call is a list of lighting gel required for the lighting rig.

7) The Final Call is also known as The Half - 35 minutes before the performance starts, and the latest time when the cast and crew should be in the theatre.

Message passed to Stage Management from the Front of House Manager that the house is ready for the performance to begin. (ie everyone is in their correct seat and there are no coach parties coming through the doors). Announced as 'We have Front of House Clearance'.

1) The command given to technical departments to carry out a particular operation. E.g. Lighting Cue, Fly Cue or Sound Cue. Normally given by stage management, but may be taken directly from the action (i.e. a Visual Cue).

2) Any signal (spoken line, action or count) that indicates another action should follow (i.e. the actors' cue to enter is when the Maid says "I hear someone coming! Quick - Hide!")

Cutting out action and dialogue between cues during a technical rehearsal, to save time. (e.g. "OK, can I stop you there - we'll now jump to the end of this scene. We'll pick it up from Simon's line "And from then on it was all downhill" in a moment. OK - we're all set - when you're ready please.")

At the end of a performance, the acknowledgement of applause by actors - the bows

The spoken text of a play - conversations between characters is dialogue.

There are many types of director.

Broadly, the role involves being responsible for the overall artistic vision of a production.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - Normally in charge of the programming of a venue. May also direct shows.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Manager in charge of the administration of a venue.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - In charge of the technical requirements of a production.

1) The part of the stage nearest to the audience. It's called Downstage because it's the lowest part of a raked stage. [See Diagram]

2) A movement towards the audience (in a proscenium theatre).

A full rehearsal, with all technical and creative elements brought together. The performance as it will be 'on the night'.

A lightweight timber frame covered with scenic canvas, or plywood. Flats are used to provide a lightweight and easy to move and re-configure backdrop to a stage set. Flats sometimes have windows or doors built into them to provide extra flexibility, for use in realistic settings. Masking flats are used to hide areas the designer does not want the audience to see, or to provide actors with an exit, or somewhere to store props.  

(UK) A flat is supported by a stage brace and brace weight, connected to the flat using a screw eye. 

Hardboard is sometimes used, but is unnecessarily heavy and will lose it's shape in time. Most theatres have a range of stock flattage made to a standard size, and re-used many times.

A Rail is a horizontal batten within a flat.

A Stile is a side or vertical piece within a flat.

A Sill is the bottom rail of a flat.