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How to read a play

Word List with 20 words
By Dictionary.com

Play

Words in This List

characters

all of the parts or roles in a play.

stage left

the part of the stage that is left of center as one faces the audience.

stage right

the part of the stage that is right of center as one faces the audience.

center stage

the central area on a theater stage.

blocking

the plan of all the movement of performers in a play.

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cue

anything said or done, on or off stage, that is followed by a specific line or action.

prop

a usually movable item, other than costumes or scenery, used on the set of a theater production; any object handled or used by an actor in a performance.

scenery

hangings, draperies, and structures used on a stage to represent a locale or furnish decorative background.

tableau

a picturesque grouping of persons or objects; a striking scene.

costumes

all of the clothing worn by the characters in the play; including accessories and shoes.

dialogue

the conversation between characters.

stage direction

an instruction written into the script of a play, indicating stage actions, movements of performers, or production requirements; usually in italics.

downstage

at or toward the front of the stage.

upstage

on or toward the back of the stage.

proscenium

the arch that separates a stage from the auditorium.

gesture

the use of a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face to express thought or emotion.

monologue

a form of dramatic entertainment, comedic solo, or the like by a single speaker.

pacing

a rate of activity, progress, growth or tempo throughout the performance.

offstage

off the stage or in the wings; away from the view of the audience.

position

the orientation of an actor with regards to the audience.

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