Common Theatrical Performance Terms for Production: A Guide for Event Planners

The world of theatrical production is rich with specific terms and jargon that are essential to running a successful show. Whether you're a theater enthusiast, event planner, or someone new to the stage, understanding these terms will help you navigate the technical aspects of a performance more smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common theatrical performance terms used in production, covering everything from staging to lighting to backstage roles.

Photo: Old Friends Theatre Production

1. Blocking
What it is:
Blocking refers to the precise staging and movement of actors on stage. It’s essentially the choreography of the actors, specifying where they stand, walk, sit, and interact with props and scenery during a performance.

Why it matters:
Effective blocking helps tell the story visually and ensures that actors are always in the right position to be seen by the audience. Blocking also ensures that actors’ movements work well with lighting, scenery changes, and sound cues.

2. Cue
What it is:
A cue is a signal for something to happen during the performance, whether it’s a lighting change, sound effect, scene change, or actor’s line. Cues are critical to the smooth flow of a show.

Why it matters:
Cues are used to synchronize technical elements with the performance. Timing is everything in theater, and well-executed cues ensure that lights, sound, and special effects happen exactly when needed, without interrupting the performance’s flow.

Photo: Theatre Productions, muhlenberg.edu

3. Tech Rehearsal (Technical Rehearsal)

What it is:
A tech rehearsal focuses on the integration of technical elements (lighting, sound, special effects, set changes) with the actors’ performance. Unlike regular rehearsals, the emphasis is on ensuring that all technical cues work as intended.

Why it matters:
Tech rehearsals are vital to iron out any issues before opening night. It’s the time to make sure that lighting cues are perfectly timed, sound effects are clear, and scene changes happen efficiently.

4. Spike

What it is:
A spike is a marker (usually tape) placed on the stage to indicate where a prop, piece of scenery, or an actor should be during a performance. Spike marks ensure that everything is in its correct position.

Why it matters:
In the fast-paced world of theater, where set changes happen quickly, spike marks are essential to help stagehands and actors know where to place furniture, props, or themselves without disrupting the flow of the show.

Photo, Opera set build, montclair.edu

5. Dress Rehearsal

What it is:
A dress rehearsal is a full run-through of the show, with actors in costume and all technical elements in place. It’s essentially a preview of what the final performance will look like, often done without an audience.

Why it matters:
Dress rehearsals allow the production team to spot any last-minute issues, such as costume malfunctions, prop problems, or technical glitches, before the show goes live. It’s also a final chance for the cast and crew to get comfortable with the pacing and flow of the performance.

6. Downstage/Upstage

What it is:
These terms refer to positions on stage relative to the audience. "Downstage" refers to the front of the stage, closest to the audience, while "upstage" is the area farthest from the audience. The terms come from stages that were traditionally raked, or sloped.

Why it matters:
Knowing the difference between downstage and upstage is critical for actors’ blocking, set placement, and lighting design. It helps ensure that actors are properly positioned for visibility and interaction.

7. Flat

What it is:
A flat is a lightweight, flat piece of scenery used to create walls, backgrounds, or other structures on stage. Flats are often painted to represent different settings.

Why it matters:
Flats are essential to creating different environments and settings in a play. They are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for quick scene changes.

8. Fly System (Rigging)

What it is:
A fly system is a series of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights that allow stagehands to raise and lower scenery, lighting, or even actors during a performance. It’s often used for set changes or dramatic effects.

Why it matters:
Fly systems are crucial for creating dynamic, multi-dimensional stage environments. They allow for seamless scene transitions, as pieces of scenery can be lowered or raised without interrupting the action on stage.

Photo: Theatre, Linkedin

9. Props (Properties)

What it is:
Props are objects used by actors during a performance. This can include anything from furniture to small handheld items like books, weapons, or food.

Why it matters:
Props are essential storytelling tools that help make a scene feel authentic. They also interact with the narrative and can become symbols or central elements of a story. Proper prop management ensures they are always in the right place at the right time.

10. Strike

What it is:
To strike means to remove something from the stage, whether it’s a prop, set piece, or even the entire set at the end of the production run.

Why it matters:
The term is important for stagehands and crew, as it signals the process of clearing the stage either between scenes or after the final performance. It ensures the stage is ready for the next part of the production or the next show.

11. Fourth Wall

What it is:
The fourth wall refers to the imaginary "wall" between the actors on stage and the audience. When actors acknowledge the audience or break the fourth wall, they directly address the spectators, often for comedic or dramatic effect.

Why it matters:
Understanding the fourth wall helps actors and directors control the audience’s perception and engagement with the performance. Breaking the fourth wall can be an effective way to add humor, irony, or a sense of immediacy to a production.

12. Green Room

What it is:
A green room is a backstage area where performers can relax, prepare, and wait for their cue to go onstage. Despite the name, it is not necessarily painted green.

Why it matters:
A green room provides performers with a comfortable space to prepare mentally and physically for their performance, ensuring they are ready to go on stage when called.

13. Stage Manager

What it is:
The stage manager is responsible for overseeing the entire production, ensuring everything runs smoothly during rehearsals and performances. They coordinate between the director, actors, and technical crew, calling cues and solving any issues that arise during the performance.

Why it matters:
The stage manager is the backbone of any production, ensuring that all elements come together harmoniously. They keep the show on track, cueing lights, sound, and actors at the right time, and solving any last-minute problems.

14. Tech Booth (Control Booth)

What it is:
The tech booth is the area where the technical crew controls lighting, sound, and sometimes video elements of the production. It's usually located at the back of the theater, providing a good vantage point to oversee the entire performance.

Why it matters:
The tech booth is essential for running the technical aspects of the show. The crew in the booth handles all the lighting and sound cues, ensuring that the technical elements of the performance are executed perfectly.

15. House

What it is:
The house refers to the area where the audience sits during the performance. It includes seating, aisles, and sometimes the lobby area.

Why it matters:
Understanding the house is crucial for managing the audience experience, including ticketing, seating arrangements, and audience engagement. The house also influences the acoustics and sightlines for the performance, which impacts staging and lighting decisions.

Understanding these common theatrical performance terms is crucial for anyone involved in event production, whether you’re a director, actor, event planner, or theater enthusiast. These terms help streamline communication between the different teams that contribute to a production’s success, from stage managers and tech crew to actors and designers. Theatrical production is a collaborative effort, and having a firm grasp of the language ensures that everything runs smoothly, making for a memorable and professional performance.

Image source: Different Types Of Theatre Productions, nycastings.com