Theater Speak Trivia Quiz

Answer: Acts

The number of acts in a musical or play varies in number according to how the main story was written. There is no set time for the length of an act; it could be as brief as ten minutes or as long as ninety! In a three act play, the first act is mostly introductory - the conflict of the story is told, the main character is introduced, and the incident that sets the story into motion is revealed.

The complication which is the obstacle that prevents the character from achieving his goal is the focus of the second act, while the resolution is revealed in the third.

Answer: Blocking

The process of blocking must be precise so that the audience is able to view the actors, the right mood is set, and the lighting for the scene is correct. It is necessary for the director to block scenes in order, as blocking in the first scene typically determines the arrangements for the next scenes.

In the 1800s, some directors used wood blocks and model stages to work out where the actors were to be during a performance, hence the derivation of the term.

Answer: Cold Reading

Also called sight reading, cold reading is commonly practiced in drama classes, and, many times, is a technique used in auditions so the director can ascertain the extent of the actor's performing ability. Playwrights also employ cold reading so that they can hear their plays read aloud for the first time.

There are specialized classes available to help, not only actors, but also public speakers and other performers, work on improving this important skill.

Answer: Dress Rehearsal

It is very important to hold a dress rehearsal before the beginning of a theatrical production in order to practice every detail of the performance, exactly the way it should be on opening night. Involving both the cast and the crew, dress rehearsal is viewed as one last opportunity to insure a smooth performance. For a musical performance, the dress rehearsal usually involves the rehearsal of a piece in its entirety without dressing up.

Answer: Matinee

A matinee is a theatrical performance that takes place in the afternoon, however, the exact time of the show may vary. Typically a matinee is performed in the same way as the other shows, and if the show was run the night before, the actors may be tired! It may be important for the actors to step up their game; with the possibility of daylight creeping in to a stage that is normally dark, the potential of a more restless crowd (as some people believe theatergoers are in the middle of the day), and the fact that many actors tend more to be night people, the feel of the show may be different, while what is performed is not.

Answer: Notes

It is common for a director to hold a meeting after a rehearsal or performance to tell both the cast and crew what he thought of their performance. At this time he may also suggest changes that he would like to see in the future. The meeting may be held after every event or as the director deems necessary.

It may be important for the actor to beef up his knowledge of stage direction terms, such as stage left, stage right, or upstage!

Answer: Props

Formally called theatrical property, props are considered to be anything on the stage that is movable, not including scenery, costumes, or any type of equipment. The use of the term "properties" has been around for quite some time, with the earliest use dating back to the 1400s, while the term "prop" has been in use since the 1800s.

Some of the earliest props used, perhaps, were the masks used in Greek theater, which have become important theater symbols today.

Answer: Off Book

After the director gives the off book date, the actors may no longer hold the script in their hands during rehearsal. Memorizing one's lines can be tough; some suggest that making a recording of yourself saying the lines and listening to it whenever possible will help, while others say that using cue cards with the cue on one side and the lines on the other works great.

It may also help to read through the script with a friend, even if they are not an actor.

Answer: Run

Sometimes the run of a show is determined at the time plans for a play are being made, as in the case of a school or small community theater production. The length of time that a show is performed may be determined by many factors, such as financing, time, or availability of space. Large productions, such as shows on Broadway, may have an open run, which means the show will run as long as it is profitable. "The Phantom of the Opera", for example, has been one of the most successful running shows on Broadway, with over 12,000 performances since 1988.

Answer: Call

Actually, to be specific, the call time isn't when an actor should arrive, it means that at a certain time the actor needs to be ready to get to work! Many times the announcement is made at the end of a rehearsal or show. That being said, it may be important to know some more specific lingo.

For example, "the half" is 35 minutes before a performance, and "beginners" is five minutes before the beginning of an act when the actors in the scene need to be ready!