Broadway Glossary
act
act
| ˈækt |
verb; noun - to perform a dramatic role; a section of a production, often acts are separated by intermission, also called an act break
acting area
ac-ting a-re-a
| ˈæktɪŋ ˈeəriə |
noun - the area within the performance space within which the actor may move in full view of the audience; a specific portion of such an area actually used for acting during all of part of a performance
action
ac-tion
| ˈækʃn̩ |
noun; verb - the physical movement of an actor on the stage; the movement or development of the plot of a dramatic work, or an incident in that movement.
actor
ac-tor
| ˈæktə |
noun - originally a male performer in a play, with "actress" used for women. Today, "actor" is increasingly used for both male, female, and nonbinary performers.
arena
a-re-na
| əˈriːnə |
noun - Stage configuration in which the audience are seated on two or more sides of the acting area.
backdrop
back-drop
| ˈbækdrɒp |
noun - a large curtain, usually painted to represent the sky, a landscape, or some other background, dropped upstage to form the back of a wing set and to mask the backstage space.
balcony
bal-co-ny
| ˈbælkəni |
noun - a seating area above the orchestra section of the auditorium. Sometimes a part of this area, particularly in front, is the location for equipment, hence the term "balcony lighting"
black box
black-box
| blæk bɒks |
noun - an unadorned performance space, typically a large room with four walls and no assigned seating or playing areas. Walls are typically painted black, hence the name. The black box is popular because it can be configured in many different ways, with actors on the floor, or on a platform; the audience can also be seated on the floor or on platforms.
break character
break cha-rac-ter
| ˈbreɪk ˈkærəktə |
verb - in acting, saying or doing something that is not in keeping with the character one is portraying, most often this is accidental, as when an actor forgets a line or bit of business, or when distracted by an occurrence in the audience or offstage
Broadway
broad-way
| ˈbrɔːdweɪ |
noun - the principal avenue running through the theatre district of New York City near Times Square, and thus the district, and collectively the theatres on or near this avenue; by extension, the commercial theatre of New York.
button
but-ton
| ˈbʌtn̩ |
noun - in staging musicals, a final stage picture or song ending that brings a satisfying conclusion to a musical number.
call
call
| kɔːl |
noun; verb - specified time of a working session, such as a rehearsal or a performance; stage manager's announcement to summon actors to the stage; to announce cues to a show's technical staff during a performance
chorus
cho-rus
| ˈkɔːrəs |
noun - a group of singers and/or dancers performing as a unit; group singing or dancing; a song or part of a song to be sung by more than on person; a group or even a single actor who provides commentary on the action of a play, as in a Greek tragedy; a part of a song that is repeated after each verse, typically by more than one singer
company
com-pa-ny
| ˈkʌmpəni |
noun - the cast, crew and other staff associated with a show; a presenting theatre organization; a group of actors appearing together in one or more dramatic performances
cue
cue
| kjuː |
noun; verb - the last words of one actor's spoken dialogue, which the next actor to speak needs as a signal to begin; the spoken or written command given to technical staff to carry out a particular operation during a performance.
debut
de-but
| ˈdeɪbjuː |
noun; verb - an actor's first appearance, whether at the beginning of his/her career, or in a new theatre; to make one's first appearance
development
de-vel-op-ment
| dɪˈveləpmənt |
noun; verb - in dramatic construction, the events after the exposition that complicates the plot; a logical series in cause and effect; In characterization, a change and expansion in character traits within a dramatic piece; the process of crafting a new work over a period of time.
drama
dra-ma
| ˈdrɑːmə |
noun - a representation on a stage by actors before an audience; a piece of writing, particularly one of marked emotional intensity
drop
drop
| drɒp |
noun - a piece of scenic canvas, painted or plain, that is flown or fixed to hang in a vertical position
encore
en-core
| ˈɒŋkɔː |
noun; verb - a call by an audience for the reappearance of performers in order to repeat a portion of a musical or dance number; an additional performance following the conclusion of a show
ensemble
en-sem-ble
| ɒnˈsɒmbl̩ |
noun - a cast of characters, except for the principals; the grouping of the whole stage picture, involving actors and set; the chorus in a musical, sometimes including soloists; said of acting or a cast in which group interaction and support is more important than individual performances.
Equity
e-qui-ty
| ˈekwɪti |
noun - Actor's Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the labor union representing actors and stage managers in the legitimate theatre in the United States
exit
ex-it
| ˈeɡzət |
verb; noun - a person, or persons, leaving the stage; the point in the script where a person, or persons, leave the stage area
exposition
ex-po-si-tion
| ˌekspəˈzɪʃn̩ |
noun - an explanation, normally in the dialogue, of events preceding the beginning of a dramatic piece or taking place offstage, and which the audience needs to know
farce
farce
| fɑːs |
noun - a broadly comic dramatic work based on ludicrously improbable events, unsubtle in idea or characterization, typically fast and funny, with a great deal of action.
fee
fee
| fiː |
noun - a royalty fee is charged per performance, with the amount depending on whether the producing company is professional or amateur.
footlights
foot-lights
| ˈfʊˌtlaɪts |
noun - a row of lights set at floor level at the front of a stage, used to provide a part of the general illumination and to soften the heavy shadows produced by overhead lighting.
ghostlight
ghost-light
| ghostlight |
noun - a light left burning overnight on stage for the safety of those navigating a dark theatre; also to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay; also believed to keep the theatrical muse in a "dark" theatre
grid
grid
| ɡrɪd |
noun - the support structure close to the top of the fly tower on which the pulleys of the flying system are supported. Constructed from metal or wooden beams; arrangement of scaffolding from which lamps are hung in a performance space with no flying facilities.
house
house
| ˈhaʊs |
noun - a term used to reference the auditorium, as well as its capacity for a given performance
house manager
house ma-na-ger
| haʊz ˈmænədʒər |
noun - an individual that oversees front-of-house operations at a theatre; persons responsible for the day-to-day operations of the venue, from prepping the house to overseeing the front-of-house staff
hydraulic
hy-drau-lic
| haɪˈdrɔːlɪk |
noun; adjective - system of controlling machinery or moving scenery using oil or water under pressure to move a piston or "ram". Used in many large-scale shows to automate scene changes.
I
IATSE / I.A.T.S.E.
noun - International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees; Stage employees union.
interpolation
in-ter-po-la-tion
| ɪnˌtɜːpəˈleɪʃn̩ |
noun - Dialogue, song, or stage business inserted into a script by a performer or director. Interpolation is illegal in copyrighted works without the permission of the author(s) or their representative (agent)
leg
leg
| leɡ |
noun - drapes set as masking pieces at the side of the acting area. Usually set up in pairs across the stage and used in conjunction with borders to frame the audiences' view
license
li-scense
| ˈlaɪsns |
noun - permission granted to produce a play or musical secured by paying a royalty to the author and/or licenser; terms of a license govern how the copyrighted work must be presented
line
line
| laɪn |
noun - a rope or wire used to hang scenery, etc.; a portion of dialogue, usually a sentence, but also a single row in the script
marquee
mar-quee
| mɑːˈkiː |
noun - a canopy or roof that projects over a theatre entrance towards the street, usually bearing a sign that advertises the names of the theatre, current production, actors, etc.
monitor
mon-i-tor
| ˈmɒnɪtə |
noun - an onstage speaker which allows a performer to hear the output of the PA system, or other members of a band; a video display screen
number
num-ber
| ˈnʌmbə |
noun - a song or dance in a musical production, so called because each musical selection is numbered for the convenience of the orchestra
O
off book
off-book
| ɒf bʊk |
noun; verb - an actor or cast who has memorized their lines; to memorize ones lines to the end of no longer requiring the use of a script to perform
Off-Broadway
Off Broad-way
| ɒf ˈbrɔːdweɪ |
noun - any professional theatre venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, inclusive. These theatres are smaller than Broadway theatres, but larger than off-off-Broadway theatres, which seat fewer than 100.
P
pace
pace
| peɪs |
noun; verb - the speed at which a dramatic performance, or any part of it, is played
pantomime
pan-to-mime
| ˈpæntəmaɪm |
noun; verb - wordless performance based in expressive movement of the body; a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience is encouraged and expected to sing along with certain parts of the music and shout out phrases to the performers. Pantomime has a long theatrical history in Western culture dating back to classical theatre.
pitch
pitch
| pɪtʃ |
noun; verb - the height to which a voice is raised in tone; to raise or lower the voice, not in volume, but according to the musical scale
places
pla-ces
| ˈpleɪsɪz |
noun - a call to the actors to take their positions on, or just off the stage, as needed for the opening curtain
prop
prop
| prɒp |
noun - a portable object other than furniture or costumes used in a theatrical production.
prop
prop
| prɒp |
noun - Also known as "properties". All items used in a performance which cannot be classified as scenery, technical equipment or wardrobe. Props handled by actors are known as hand props, props which are kept in an actors costume are known as personal props.
rake
rake
| reɪk |
adjective; noun - the slope of a stage or an auditorium; a raked stage is one that typically slopes upward from downstage to upstage
rehearse
re-hearse
| rɪˈhɜːs |
verb - to prepare a play for production; in particular, the work with actors to blend lines, characterization, movement and stage business into a coherent whole
repertory
rep-er-tory
| ˈrepətr̩i |
noun - a performing arts organization, usually with a permanent company of actors, where each production has a run of limited length; multiple plays performed on a rotating schedule
S
scene
scene
| siːn |
noun - section of a play or musical depicting a different location or different day or time; the location in which a dramatic action is supposed to occur
scenery
sce-ner-y
| ˈsiːnəri |
noun - the elements of a stage setting, especially those made of wood and canvas, or any other material used to construct platforms, flats, walls, doors and backdrops
sitzprobe
sitz-probe
| sitzprobe |
noun - In opera and musical theatre, a sitzprobe (from the German for seated rehearsal) is a rehearsal where the singers sing with the orchestra, focusing attention on integrating the two groups; the first rehearsal where the orchestra and singers rehearse together
swing
swing
| swɪŋ |
noun - an off-stage performer responsible for covering any number of ensemble tracks
T
teaser
tea-ser
| ˈtiːzə |
noun - a border, usually black, set behind the proscenium and linked with tormentors to form an inner frame to the stage, and to mask the upper parts of the fly tower
theater
thea-ter
| ˈθiːətər |
noun - a building or area for dramatic performances; a place or sphere of enactment of usually significant events or action
thespian
thes-pi-an
| ˈθespɪən |
noun - pertaining to acting, or an actor. Derived from the name of Thespis, a Greek tragic poet of the sixth century BC, who is said to have first introduced an actor into dramatic presentations, which until then had been performed only by a chorus with a leader.
vomitorium
vom-i-to-ri-um
noun - a passageway, originally for spectators, used to clear the seating area in quick fashion; also used to describe a ramped passage that allows actors to run onstage from below (and run back).
wing
wing
| wɪŋ |
noun - the out of view areas to the sides of the acting area; scenery standing where the acting area joins these technical areas.
Video: The Kid Critics Get Swept Away By THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
March 05, 2023 by BroadwayWorld TV
BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics watched The Wind in the Willows, which is now available to stream on BroadwayHD, and they are telling us what they thought in this video!
Video: The Kid Critics Can't Stop Their Feelings for & JULIET
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BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics got & Juliet on Broadway and they are telling us what they thought in this video!
Video: The Kid Critics Experience the Miracle of MATILDA THE MUSICAL
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BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics got an early peek at Matilda The Musical and they are telling us what they thought in this video!
Video: Kid Critics Tell You How to Get to SESAME STREET: THE MUSICAL
October 31, 2022 by BroadwayWorld TV
BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics is back for a new season! It's not hard to stumble across an excess of reviews for any given show these days, but there is a group of theatre-goers that is wildly underrepresented when it comes to opinions on Broadway- kids! What did our Kid Critics think of Sesame Street: The Musical? Find out here!
Video: Kid Critics Tell You How to Get to SESAME STREET: THE MUSICAL
October 31, 2022 by BroadwayWorld TV
BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics is back for a new season! It's not hard to stumble across an excess of reviews for any given show these days, but there is a group of theatre-goers that is wildly underrepresented when it comes to opinions on Broadway- kids! What did our Kid Critics think of Sesame Street: The Musical? Find out here!
BroadwayWorld Is Casting New Kid Critics!
September 09, 2022 by Team BWW
BroadwayWorld is looking for a theatre-loving kid (age 6-11), who lives in the New York City area, and has lots of things to say about Broadway. If you know a kid with a lot of personality, who'd be perfect for the job, submit a 1-5 minute video of them talking about something having to do with theatre- a recent production they saw, a favorite show, cast album, film adaptation, or any Broadway-related topic that interests them.
BWW Exclusive: Arts and Student Wellness: The Diverse Benefits of Arts Education
September 13, 2021 by Team BWW
National Arts in Education Week, which takes place from September 12th-18th, 2021, focuses on spreading the all-important message of the benefits of arts education. Sponsored by Americans for the Arts, the weeklong event encourages parents, educators, and students to participate in the #BecauseOfArtsEd social media campaign, advocate for arts education, and support Americans for the Arts in their ongoing mission to advance art education policies.
BroadwayWorld Is Casting New Kid Critics!
July 02, 2021 by Nicole Rosky
BroadwayWorld is looking for a theatre-loving kid (age 6-11), who lives in the New York City area, and has lots of things to say about Broadway. If you know a kid with a lot of personality, who'd be perfect for the job, submit a 1-5 minute video of them talking about something having to do with theatre- a recent production they saw, a favorite show, cast album, film adaptation, or any Broadway-related topic that interests them.
BWW Exclusive: Kristin's Korner with the Teen Stars of NPT's FOOTLOOSE
June 30, 2021 by BroadwayWorld TV
On this edition of Kristin's Korner, Kristin Huffman (Artistic Director of New Paradigm Theatre) interviews the up-and-coming stars who will be playing the leads in NPT's August production of Footloose LIVE! The cast includes: Megan Hasse as Ariel, Ramone Nelson as Ren, Lance Jewett as Chuck, Raul Calderon as Willard, and Erika Spondike as Rusty.
BWW Exclusive: Kristin's Korner with the Teen Stars of NPT's FOOTLOOSE
June 30, 2021 by BroadwayWorld TV
On this edition of Kristin's Korner, Kristin Huffman (Artistic Director of New Paradigm Theatre) interviews the up-and-coming stars who will be playing the leads in NPT's August production of Footloose LIVE! The cast includes: Megan Hasse as Ariel, Ramone Nelson as Ren, Lance Jewett as Chuck, Raul Calderon as Willard, and Erika Spondike as Rusty.
BWW Exclusive: Leading Ladies with Special Guest Jodi Stevens
February 25, 2021 by BroadwayWorld TV
Today on Leading Ladies is Jodi Stevens- a Broadway veteran from shows such as Urban Cowboy and Jekyll and Hyde.
BWW Exclusive: Ms Clauz's Corner- The Holiday Show!
December 17, 2020 by Nicole Rosky
Join Ms Clauz... with a Z (Kristin Huffman) and her assistant elf (aka 'The Fixer') Katherine Elf (Katherine Griffin) as they present five quirky cooking shows for the holidays!
BWW Exclusive: Ms Clauz's Corner- Chocolate Cupcake Milkshake
December 09, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Join Ms Clauz... with a Z (Kristin Huffman) and her assistant elf (aka 'The Fixer') Katherine Elf (Katherine Griffin) as they present five quirky cooking shows for the holidays!
BWW Exclusive: Leading Ladies with Special Guest Maureen Hamill
November 23, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Today on Leading Ladies is Maureen Hamill-a renowned Cabaret singer, Director and Producer.
BWW Exclusive: Ms Clauz's Corner- Mini Muffin Kabobs!
November 18, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Join Ms Clauz... with a Z (Kristin Huffman) and her assistant elf (aka 'The Fixer') Katherine Elf (Katherine Griffin) as they present five quirky cooking shows for the holidays!
Parenting From The Wings: Saturday Night and A (Live) Show
October 29, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
My daughter and I went to see her friends in a show last weekend. A real, live show. It was just like we have many, many times before. Sort of. It was outside (and it was cold). Everyone wore masks. And there were no flowers or hugging photos afterward.
Parenting From The Wings: Saturday Night and A (Live) Show
October 29, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
My daughter and I went to see her friends in a show last weekend. A real, live show. It was just like we have many, many times before. Sort of. It was outside (and it was cold). Everyone wore masks. And there were no flowers or hugging photos afterward.
BWW Exclusive: Leading Ladies with Special Guest Jamie Karen
October 29, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Today on Leading Ladies is one of New Paradigm Theatre's favorite Broadway people, Jamie Karen.
BWW Exclusive: Leading Ladies with Special Guest Janelle Robinson
October 07, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Today on Leading Ladies is special guest: Broadway veteran, Janelle Robinson. For the past ten years, Janelle Anne Robinson has enjoyed an ongoing professional career on the operatic and musical theater stage. She has performed in France and Japan, and also toured extensively within the United States. Janelle has also been honored with several awards, including The Richard Tucker Study Grant and the MacAllister Award.
Parenting From The Wings: Navigating Unprecedented Times
September 08, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
It is somehow September, the start of a fall that follows a spring and summer like none that has come before. Time turned meaningless, days seemed to last forever; weeks passed in the blink of the eye.
Do It Yourself Theater - How to Put on Shows at Home with Your Family
July 26, 2020 by Chloe Rabinowitz
While we may be spending more time at home this summer than we're typically used to, that doesn't mean that summer fun has come to a stop! In fact, it's just the opposite. It may not be business as usual, but finding new ways to create and have fun with the people and things around us has become our new way of life.
BWW Exclusive: Konverstations with Keeme and Aneesa Folds!
July 17, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
This Konversations with Keeme features Aneesa Folds- best known for her starring role in Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway and she will be in the Hulu premiere the documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme July 17th, 2020. https://www.aneesafolds.com/
BWW Interview: How Erich Bergen & Friends Are Sharing the Magic of Stagedoor Manor with PLAYHOUSE
July 13, 2020 by Nicole Rosky
Looking for a way to hone your craft and connect with Broadway talent? Look no further than Stagedoor Manor's new virtual performing arts education platform, PLAYHOUSE.
BWW Exclusive: Konverstations with Keeme Celebrates Juneteenth
June 29, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
This Konversations with Keeme showcases the protest and a celebration of black culture on June 19th, 2020 or 'Juneteenth' that Keeme and his newly formed Youth Leaders Council organized. The protest was in New Haven CT and marched to City Hall. There were performances led by local artists, speakers, and activists. The march continued to protest down to the New Haven Police Department (NHPD).
Theaters Offering Virtual Summer Classes, Workshops and More!
June 28, 2020 by Chloe Rabinowitz
Summer is here, and that means an abundance of heat, sunshine, and creativity just waiting to be brought to life. While the global health crisis may still be keeping the doors to most theaters shut, theater companies around the country have risen to the challenge and created new doors to walk through- virtual ones!
BWW Interview: Lena Moy-Borgen Lays Out How Your Kids Can Act Up This Summer at Play On! Studios
June 26, 2020 by Nicole Rosky
Need a creative diversion for your kids this summer? Look no further than Play On! Studios!
BWW Exclusive: Konverstations with Keeme and Special Guest Carl Carter
June 17, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
Our next interview is with Broadway Bass player (Come From Away, Disaster, Holler if Ya Hear Me, and Bring it On), composer, and producer Carl Carter.
New Study Shows Lack of Racial Diversity in Live Theatre for Young Audiences
June 17, 2020 by Nicole Rosky
Key findings demonstrate that the TYA industry has made strides for increased representation in terms of gender and race across the last decade, but racial diversity in live theatre for young people is not yet representative of the US population.
BWW Exclusive: Summer Arts Programs Going Virtual
June 16, 2020 by Shayne Miller
The performing arts are one of the hardest hit segments of society since Covid19 ravaged the country. Although indoor performances are still prohibited, some summer arts programs and camps have created virtual versions of their offerings. This is a unique opportunity to study with some of the greatest arts educators in the nation, regardless of where you reside.
BWW Exclusive: Konverstations with Keeme and Special Guest Juwan Alan Crawley
June 07, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
Today's interview is with Juwan Alan Crawley (Broadway: Aladdin). He talks honestly about what a?oeBlack Lives Mattersa?? means to him and the theatre community. Keeme and Juwan speak about what young leaders, like Keeme, can do during the Corona quarantine to make a difference.
BWW Exclusive: Konverstation with Keeme and Special Guest Chazz Mendedez
May 25, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
Fifteen year old Ajibola Tajudeen, better known as Keeme, is the host of New Paradigm Theatre's web series here on BroadwayWorld. 'Konversations with Keeme' is show where Keeme interviews seasoned television and film professionals like Tamara Tunie of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Renee Lawless of Tyler Perry's The Have and the Have Nots, as well as Broadway veterans such as Emmy and Grammy winner, Paul Bogaev, and Broadway pros Christine Dwyer, Kelly Grant, Juwan Crawley and more.
BWW Exclusive: Konverstation (Koronacation) with Keeme
May 13, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
This episode is a revisit with professional Voice over and Radio star, Randye Kaye https://www.randyekaye.com/ to see how she is staying creative during corona. Our online Gala is June 7th, streaming on Facebook at 7pm. Randye will be a guest on that as well.
BWW TV: The Kid Critics Make Picks for What to Watch from Home- Part 3!
May 09, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Is cabin fever setting in? Has self-quarantine got you down? Are you in need of a stay-at-home distraction? The Kid Critics are here to help!
BWW TV: The Kid Critics Make Picks for What to Watch from Home- Part 2!
May 02, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Broadway may be dark for a while, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the magic of theatre. In this very special edition of Kid Critics, Tai (13), Isabella (15), and Charles (12) share their selections for family-friendly entertainment that you can watch from your couch. Watch to find out what makes their list and tune in next week for more of their picks.
BWW TV: The Kid Critics Make Picks for What to Watch from Home!
April 25, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
Is cabin fever setting in? Has self-quarantine got you down? Are you in need of a stay-at-home distraction? The Kid Critics are here to help!
Parenting From The Wings: Community Keeps Giving While Broadway is Dark
March 18, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
Thank you. Thank you Laura Benanti for asking high schoolers to send videos of them doing parts of their cancelled shows.
Parenting From The Wings: Celebrating Broadway's Women and Empowering Girls with Honesty
March 09, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
Parenting a girl who wants to make a living on stage requires a balance of moral support and difficult truths.
Parenting From The Wings: Celebrating Broadway's Women and Empowering Girls with Honesty
March 09, 2020 by Kay Alexandra
Parenting a girl who wants to make a living on stage requires a balance of moral support and difficult truths.
BWW TV: The Kid Critics Get Connected at EMOJILAND!
March 01, 2020 by BroadwayWorld TV
We are continuing the series with Tai (13), Isabella (15), and Charles (12), who recently headed to the Duke on 42nd Street to check out Emojiland. Curious about what they thought about the show? Find out below!
BWW TV Exclusive: Konversations with Keeme: In Rehearsal for SOUTH PACIFIC
February 04, 2020 by Konversations with Keeme
Join us behind the scenes for the first rehearsal of SOUTH PACIFIC: IN concert. Co-produced by the New Paradigm Theatre and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. This video features our 'Nellie' - Emily Kristen Morris, 'Ngana' - Helen Hen and Maestro Yates, as well as the ensemble preparing on the first day of rehearsal!