The Musical Theatre Glossary (Parent Edition)
Decode the theatre jargon so you know what everyone is talking about
Theatre has its own language, and if you are new to this world, it can feel like everyone is speaking in code. This glossary explains the terms you will hear most often.
Rehearsal Terms
Blocking
The planned movements and positions of actors on stage. "We did the blocking for Act 2 today" means they learned where to stand and move.
Book/Script
The written words of the show. "Off book" means the actor has memorised their lines and no longer needs the script.
Call
Any requirement to attend. "Rehearsal call" means you need to be at rehearsal. "Photo call" is for taking production photos.
Call Time
The time you are expected to arrive. This is NOT the start time of the performance - it is usually 60-90 minutes before curtain.
Choreography
The planned dance movements. A "choreography rehearsal" focuses just on dancing.
Company
Everyone involved in the production - cast, crew, creative team.
Dance Captain
A cast member responsible for maintaining the choreography and teaching it to understudies.
MD (Musical Director)
The person responsible for all the music - they conduct the orchestra and teach the songs.
Notes
Feedback given by the director after a rehearsal or performance. "Notes session" is when everyone gathers to receive feedback.
Read-Through
An early rehearsal where the cast sits together and reads the entire script aloud.
Run-Through
Rehearsing the show (or a large section) without stopping, as if it were a real performance.
Scene Change
When the set, props, or setting changes between scenes. Often involves stage crew and sometimes cast.
Sitzprobe
A seated rehearsal where the cast sings with the orchestra for the first time, without staging.
Stumble-Through
An early run-through where mistakes are expected as the cast tries to remember blocking and lines together.
Tech Rehearsal
Rehearsals focused on lights, sound, scenery, and technical elements rather than acting.
Understudy
A performer who learns another role in case the main actor cannot perform.
Stage and Theatre Terms
Apron
The part of the stage that extends beyond the curtain line, closest to the audience.
Backstage
Any area behind or beside the stage that the audience cannot see.
Call Board
A noticeboard backstage where schedules and important information are posted.
Curtain Call / Bows
The end of the show when performers return to the stage to take applause.
Curtain Up/Down
"Curtain up" is when the show begins. "Curtain down" is when it ends.
Downstage
The part of the stage closest to the audience. (It is "down" because old stages were raked/sloped.)
Fly System
Rigging used to raise and lower scenery, curtains, and lights from above the stage.
Front of House (FOH)
Areas of the theatre accessible to the audience (lobby, auditorium, bar).
Green Room
A backstage room where performers can relax when not on stage.
House
The audience seating area. "The house is open" means audience can enter.
House Lights
The lights that illuminate the audience area. Dimmed during performance.
Offstage
Areas to the sides of the stage, not visible to the audience.
Orchestra Pit
The sunken area in front of the stage where musicians sit.
Stage Left / Stage Right
Directions from the performer's perspective facing the audience. YOUR left is stage left.
Upstage
The part of the stage furthest from the audience.
Wings
The areas on either side of the stage, just offstage, where actors wait for entrances.
Technical Terms
Blackout
When all stage lights are turned off at once, usually to mark the end of a scene.
Cue
A signal for something to happen (light change, sound effect, actor entrance).
Cue-to-Cue
A tech rehearsal where only the moments with technical cues are practised, skipping dialogue in between.
Dress Rehearsal
A full run-through in complete costume and makeup, usually in the final days before opening.
Final Dress
The last dress rehearsal before opening night.
Gel
Coloured plastic sheets placed over lights to change their colour.
Get-In / Load-In
When the set, lighting, and sound equipment are brought into the theatre and set up.
Get-Out / Load-Out
Removing everything from the theatre after the final performance (also called "Strike").
Mic Check / Sound Check
Testing microphones and sound levels before a performance.
Props (Properties)
Objects used by actors during the performance (phones, cups, bags, etc.).
Quick Change
A very fast costume change, often done in the wings with help from a dresser.
Strike
Taking down and removing the set and all production elements after the final show.
Performance Terms
Break a Leg
Traditional "good luck" phrase in theatre (saying "good luck" is considered bad luck!).
Cheat Out
When an actor angles their body towards the audience while appearing to address another character.
Corpsing
When an actor accidentally laughs or loses composure during a scene.
Drying / Going Up
Forgetting lines during a performance.
Half Hour / The Half
A warning call 35 minutes before curtain up. "The half" means 35 minutes, not 30!
Places
The call for actors to go to their starting positions just before the show begins.
Projection
Using your voice loudly and clearly so the audience can hear without shouting.
Upstaging
When one actor draws attention away from another, often by standing upstage of them.
People in Theatre
ASM (Assistant Stage Manager)
Helps the Stage Manager with backstage coordination.
Chaperone
An adult responsible for looking after young performers during rehearsals and performances.
Company Manager
Handles logistics, schedules, and admin for the production.
Crew
The team who work backstage (moving scenery, operating sound/lights, helping with costumes).
Director
The creative leader who guides actors and shapes the artistic vision.
Dresser
Someone who helps performers with costume changes.
Lighting Designer (LD)
Designs and programs all the lighting for the show.
Producer
The person or organisation responsible for funding and overall production management.
Stage Manager (SM)
Coordinates all elements during rehearsals and performances. "Calls" the show.
Swing
A performer who covers multiple ensemble roles.
Quick Reference Card
| Term | Simple Meaning | |------|----------------| | Blocking | Where to stand and move | | Call Time | When to arrive | | MD | Music person | | Notes | Director's feedback | | Tech | Technical rehearsal | | Off Book | Lines memorised | | Wings | Sides of stage | | Places | "Go to starting positions" | | Break a Leg | Good luck | | Strike | Pack everything away |
> "Now when your child says 'The MD gave notes after the sitzprobe,' you will know exactly what they mean!"
Print the quick reference card and keep it handy. Soon these words will feel natural!