An "upstage" view of a performance at Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods.
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In the theater, up is back, down is front, in is down, out is up, left is right, and right is left.
Confused yet?
On this page we will explore terms commonly used in the theater, as well as theatrical origins of terms and phrases we use in our every day lives.
Call – A general definition of a work period. For instance, a “work call” specifies what time the stage crew is set to begin work preparing for a show. A call is defined by the type of work that needs to be accomplished.
Color call - assembling materials (Gel) to color the stage lighting fixtures, and sometimes installing the color.
Show call – occurs about 30 minutes before the posted curtain time.
Places call - occurs 5 minutes before the posted curtain time (e.g. performance start).
Courtesy call - a request for an actor or performer to come up to the stage because their scheduled entrance is imminent.
Curtain call - an acknowledgement of applause, typically involving performer bows.
Load out call – typically occurs immediately after a show ends.
Cue - The command given to cast or crew to carry out a particular operation; (e.g. lighting cue, fly cue, sound cue, entrance to stage)
Cues, typically given by stage management, are any signal or prompt (spoken line, action, or count) that indicates another action is supposed to follow.
Dark Theater - A venue that has been closed to the public. Some theaters go dark temporarily during production periods, when the next show is in preparation.
Diagram of stage and house directions.
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Directions House directions -- are designated from the perspective of the audience, facing the stage.
House right - to the performer, would be stage left.
House left - to the performer, would be stage right.
“In” and “out” - refers to moving curtains and scenery in and out of the audience’s view using the fly line system.
When a curtain or piece of scenery is lowered into the audience’s field of view, the piece has been brought “in.” Thus, down is in.
When a curtain or piece of scenery is raised out of the audience’s field of view, the piece has been brought “out.” Thus, up is out.
Offstage – refers to parts of the stage that are not in the audience’s field of view. This directional term can be used to direct the movement of equipment away from the centerline. (i.e. “move that set piece off-left”)
Onstage – refers to all parts of a stage that are in the audience’s field of view. Performers and scenery alike can move “onstage,” meaning the audience is able to see them.
Stage directions - are designated from the perspective of the performer on stage, facing the audience.
Stage right - everything to the performer’s right (as they face the audience)
Stage left - everything to the performer’s left.
Raked stage - A stage that is lower in the front, toward the audience, and higher in the back, farthest from the audience. In most modern theaters, the audience is raked and the stage is flat.
Upstage - back part, or what used to be the higher part of the stage.
Downstage - front part, or what used to be the lower part of the stage. In general, more important action would take place downstage and in the center. Hence, the concept of being “upstaged” was born.
Rehearsals Dress Rehearsal - A full rehearsal. Dress rehearsals bring all technical, creative, and personnel aspects of the show together, and is typically the final rehearsal before a performance.
Technical Rehearsal (also known as tech run, or just tech) - This typically refers to the first time the show is rehearsed in the venue. Technical rehearsals include the show’s lighting, scenery, and sound.
Dry Tech - A rehearsal without actors or performers. Dry tech is typically run to practice the integration of lighting, scenic changes, etc.
Paper Tech - A rehearsal without sets or actors, used to allow the technical and design team to discuss aspects of the show. Stage managers use this rehearsal session to ensure everything is written correctly, all cues are in order, and the crew is prepared for the show.
Wet Tech - A full technical rehearsal with actors and all technical elements.
Theater Colloquialisms
“Break a Leg” - Musicians, actors, singers, and dancers alike are told to “break a leg” before taking the stage for a performance. This seemingly contradictory expression is typically used to wish performers good luck.
The phrase “break a leg” is based on the “leg line” of a stage. This is an area in the wings of the stage, marked with a line to let actors know when they became visible to the audience. Traditionally, if an actor crossed, or “broke” the leg line, they would get paid for that performance. Therefore, performers were told to “break a leg” in hopes that they would make it on stage, and thus, get paid.
“Chewing the scenery” - This phrase has two meanings. To “chew the scenery” can mean an actor is overacting or being larger than life. It can also mean that an actor is stealing the show or scene, but typically in a positive way.
“The show must go on” - Literally, this phrase means regardless of any adverse circumstance that may strike a theater, (sick cast members, forgotten lines, falling scenery) a performance must be performed. If there are patrons with tickets, the show must go on!
“Upstaged” - Traditionally during an on-stage performance, important action would take place downstage and in the center. In certain instances, the audience’s attention would be drawn from downstage to action happening upstage. Thus, to be “upstaged” is to have attention taken from you and given to someone, or something seemingly more important.
“Wait in the Wings” - In literal terms, this phrase refers to a performer waiting off stage (“in the wings”) to go onstage for their performance. Metaphorically, to wait in the wings refers to an understudy who may wait “offstage” for their opportunity to replace a sick or unavailable performer.
