The acting industry runs on specific terminology, for actors in the business, knowing this terminology will prove to be useful. Here is a list of some of the Actors’ Vocabulary:
A
ACT: One of the main sections of a Screenplay or a play
ACTING PROCESS: Specific choices an actor makes to bring the character to life
ACTION: One of the key words a Director says to start the scene
AD LIB: Dialogue in the scene that has been improvised
ADJUSTMENT: An artist’s pay is being increased above the base rate
ADR (screen): Automated Dialogue Replacement – dialogue that has been added in post-production
ADVANCE: Money that has been paid in advance to secure somebody’s work
AGENT: An artist’s/performers representation in the business responsible for negotiations and other business deals
AISLE (stage): A walkway that goes through two different seat areas
ART DIRECTOR (screen): A person responsible for designing a film set
ASIDE (stage): A line delivered to audience that isn’t meant to be heard by other performers on the stage
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (screen): Director’s assistant, often referred to as A.D.
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER (stage): Stage Manager’s assistant
AUDITION: An artist’s tryout for a role/job where demonstration of skills is required
B
BACK TO ONE: A direction for performers to return to their starting reading/scene positions
BACKGROUND (screen): People who work in the background of the scene, often referred to as Extras
BACKSTAGE (stage): Part of the theatre not being seen by the audience, like dressing rooms
BEAT: A pause of varying length in the scene, usually to emphasize an emotion or a thought
BEAUTY SHOT (screen): The last shot on a TV show, which is then used to run the credits
BELT (stage): A style of loud and full tone singing in Musical Theatre productions
BEST BOY (screen): Assistant to a Gaffer
BILLING (screen): The list of names in the Opening Credits
BIO: Short for “Biography”, a short description of performers or other people working on a production
BLACK BOX (stage): When theatre room is surrounded in black curtains and audience are in the same room with performers
BLACK OUT (stage): An immediate shutdown of all stage lights
BLOCKING: A rehearsal of physical actions taken by actors during a scene, including entrances and exits
BLUE SCREEN (screen): Filming with a large blue screen in the background so that special effects could be added in post-production
BOOK (stage): A script for a play, musical’s libretto
BOOKING: Employing an actor and scheduling them for a role
BOOM (screen): A set-microphone at the end of a long pole to use over performers’ heads so as to keep it out of the shot
BOX OFFICE: Commercial success of any production/performer based on profits and audience’s size
BOX OFFICE (stage): A place where tickets to a production are being sold
BOX OFFICE MANAGER (stage): A person in charge of ticketing and reservations
BREAK A LEG: A term used among actors before performance or audition which means “Good Luck”
BREAKDOWN: Production’s description by Casting Directors privately passed on to Talent Agents to find performers to attach to the project
BREAKING CHARACTER: Stepping outside of the imaginary world of performance
BROADWAY: Most famous theatrical district in the world based in New York City
BUMP: A one time payment for additional services
BUY OUT: A flat fee for a production that will not return any Residuals
C
CALL SHEET (screen): A list of Cast and Crew with the day’s filming schedule
CALL TIME: The time by which someone has to be on the set or stage; start of the day of shooting
CALLBACK: A second round of Auditions for the same role the performer initially went for
CAMERA CREW (screen): A team in charge of everything to do with the camera
CAMERA LEFT/RIGHT (screen): Indicates the side of the shot where the performers are kept, from the Camera Operator’s perspective
CAMERA OPERATOR (screen): The person responsible for operation of the camera and looking through the lens during a Take
CAMERA READY (screen): Description of anyone who is completely ready to appear on camera, dressed for the part and in make-up
CAP: Performer completing their section of the scene
CAST: All actors and performers in a production
CASTING: The process of actors being chosen (cast) for the role, done by the Casting Director and/or Director, Producer
CASTING DIRECTOR: The person responsible for Casting, in speech often referred to as C.D.
CASTING NOTICE: Similar to Breakdown, except this one is available to the public and is often listed on casting websites
CATERER: The person responsible for all the food on the set or stage
CATTLE CALL: Auditions that are open to all types of actors: professionals, amateurs, Union members and non-Union
CATWALK (stage): A very narrow walkway on the ceiling of a theatre where lights and scenery are hung from
CHANGES: Different performers’ outfits worn during a production
CHARACTER: The person who is going to be played by an actor during a production
CHEAT (screen): An angle where an actor is being positioned to better accommodate the camera
CHECKING THE GATE (screen): Checking the lens of a camera
CHIEF ELECTRICIAN: A person in charge of an electrical team, sometimes referred to as Gaffer
CHOREOGRAPHER: A person responsible for arranging movements and creating dances for actors to perform
CHORUS: A company of singers and dancers, OR songs and dances performed by those people
CINEMATOGRAPHER (screen): Someone in charge of the Camera Crew, often referred to as Director of Photography (D.P.)
CLOSE-UP (screen): A close shot of an actor, from forehead to the chin, often marked as C.U. in the Screenplay
CLOSING OFF (stage): An actor’s action of turning away from the audience; opposite of Opening Up
COLD READING: During an Audition, reading of the Sides that are completely new to the actor
COLOR COVER (screen): A Stand-In wearing the same color as the principal actor
COMMISSION: A percentage taken from an actor’s paycheck by a Talent Agent or a Manager
COMPANY (stage): The whole Cast and Crew of a stage production
COMPOSITE: 3-5 different photographs of an actor to show off their various looks, sometimes referred to as Comp Card
CONTROL BOOTH (stage): A small room/place in the theatre from where all technical things, lights and sound, are controlled
COPY (screen): A Script for a production that’s for TV, usually a radio Voice Over or a Commercial
COSTUMER: The person responsible for costumes
COVER SHOT (screen): An additional shot that might be of a different angle to a Master Shot done for editing purposes
CRAFT SERVICES: A table with food and snacks, cared for by Caterer
CRANE SHOT (screen): A shot of a scene from above, often with the camera hanging on a crane
CRAWL (screen): The ending Credits
CREDITS (screen): Appearance of names involved in the production, OR list of actor’s experience on their Resume
CREW: All people involved in the production except for the actors
CUE: A signal for an actor to act/begin
CURTAIN (stage): A screen of cloth on stage that separates the audience from the performers
CURTAIN CALL (stage): The time at the end of a stage performance when all actors come out to take their bows
CUT (screen): A cue to cease the action of the scene, usually given by the Director
CUTAWAY (screen): A short scene showing something other than the person in the previous shot (e.g. what they’re reading)
D
DAILIES (screen): A raw footage that has been shot that day and is yet to be edited
DAY PERFORMER: The person hired to work on a production on a day-to-day basis, not on a contract
DEMO REEL/SHOWREEL: A short footage that showcases performers’ skills
DIALECT: A regional accent that is often adopted by actors to make the role more believable
DIALOGUE: A verbal exchange among at least two actors
DIRECTOR: The person responsible for all components of the production
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (screen): The person responsible for Camera Crew and filming process, makes decisions with the Director
DOLLY (screen): A piece of equipment used on the camera to allow for more mobility
DOLLY GRIP (screen): The person from the Crew responsible for working with Dolly
DOUBLE: A person who is used in a place of a principal actor; not to be confused with Stand-In
DOWNSCALE: Performers who appear in casual and regular clothing
DOWNSTAGE (stage): Part of the stage that is closest to the audience
DRAMATIST: The person who writes plays, also known as Playwright
DRESS REHEARSAL (stage): A principal rehearsal just before the show with the Cast in full costumes
DRESSERS (stage): People responsible for helping performers to get in and out of their costumes during the show
DRESSING (screen): Various items and props used on the set to make the scene look more realistic
DRESSING ROOMS (stage): Rooms in the theatre where actors change into costumes
DROP (stage): Fabric that is hung on the stage and often used in the actual show
DROPPING CUES: Actors forgetting their lines or missing the Cue
E
EIGHTEEN TO PLAY YOUNGER (screen): Someone who is 18 years or older, but can played a younger role
ELECTRICIAN: The person usually responsible for all of the lighting part
ENSEMBLE: A group of performers in the production
EQUITY: Trade Union to protect all kinds of performers in the business by regulating pay and working conditions
ESTABLISHED (screen): When a person or object has been established in the shot in a specific position or doing a specific action
ETHNIC TYPES: Referring to the race of a person which is most often not Caucasian
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: The person responsible for the business side of the production, including funding
EXIT (stage): A stage direction for an actor to leave the stage
EXT. (screen): Short for “Exterior”, used in a Screenplay to indicate a scene outside
EXTRA (screen): A non-speaking role in the production that is used in the background to create an atmosphere of the scene
F
FEATURE (screen): A film that is of full length
FEATURED (stage): Second to Lead role in a stage production, similar to Supporting in films
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: A representative of the Union that is responsible for making sure that standards are upheld
FIRST A.D. (screen): Short for “First Assistant Director”, the person responsible for giving most of the directions on the set to the Cast and Crew
FIRST TEAM: Principal actors
FORCED CALL: When the Cast and Crew have to work in less than 12 hours after they have finished
FOREGROUND CROSS (screen): When an Extra crosses in front of the camera or principal actors
FOURTH WALL (stage): An imaginary wall between the audience and actors on the stage during a show
FRONT OF HOUSE (stage): Area of theatre and people who deal with the audience, like Ushers, Box Office, etc.
FX / SOUND FX (screen): Special effects
G
GAFFER: Head Electrician, also known as Chief Electrician
GOLDEN TIME (screen): 16th hour on the shooting day; Extras receive Base Pay for every single hour spent on set past this point
GREEN ROOM (stage): A room where performers relax before going on stage
GREEN SCREEN (screen): Same as Blue Screen, except the screen is of green color; the choice of Green Screen is more common than Blue
GRIPS (screen): Crew that is responsible for moving the equipment around the set
H
HAND PROPS (stage): Objects held by performers used to tell a story
HEADSHOT: A photograph a performer to showcase their look
HOLDING (screen): A room/area where Extras are staying while not working on the set
HOLDING BOOK: When a member of the crew assists performers by giving them their lines
HONEYWAGON (screen): Truck trailer close to the set that hosts bathrooms and changing rooms
HOT SET (screen): A set that is ready for filming
HOUSE (stage): Means audience in the theatre, OR could be short for Front of House
HOUSE LIGHTS (stage): Lights that are used to light the auditorium
HOUSE MANAGER (stage): The person responsible for anything to do with the audience
HOUSE OPEN (stage): When the audience are being seated before the show and performers can no longer appear on the stage
I
IMPROVISATION: Coming up with actions and/or lines on the spot without any preparation
INDUSTRIAL (screen): Film, Short or a video clip used for educational purposes only
INSERTS (screen): A shot that is used in the footage during post-production
INT. (screen): Short for “Interior”, a term used in Screenplay to indicate a scene taking place inside
L
LIBRETTO (stage): A book or script of a musical or opera production
LIGHTING DESIGNER (stage): The person responsible for show’s lighting
LINE PRODUCER: The person responsible for keeping the Director on the budget and on the schedule
LOCATION (screen): It could refer to the stage, set or an area where the filming is taking place
LONG SHOT (screen): A shot that exposes most or all of actor’s body, often abbreviated as L.S.
LOOPING (screen): Tool used in post-production to correct dialogue that has already been shot, OR use of audio/music on the loop
M
MARK (screen): A designated position where an actor has to stand in order to be at a perfect angle/lighting for the shot
MARKER (screen): A command used along with a Slate Board to indicate a visual cue for the camera
MARKING OUT (stage): The process of marking out the stage to indicate where the props and furniture is going to stand
MASTER SHOT (screen): An important shot that comprises principal actor(s) and background to create a scene
MATCHING ACTIONS (screen): When an actor has to match their previous actions for another shot after they have been Established
MATINEE (stage): A performance of the show that takes place in the afternoon
MEAL PENALTY (screen): A payment to actors and Extras if the production doesn’t break for meals at least every six hours
MIXER (screen): The person in charge of the Sound Crew, responsible for the quality of the sound
MONOLOGUE: An longer speech used by a single actor without breaks for Dialogue, often used for Auditions
M.O.S / S.O.C (screen): Short for “Motion Only Shot” and “Silent on Camera”, where the shot is taken without any sound or Dialogue
MUSICAL DIRECTOR (stage): The person responsible for musical effects of the show, usually works with the Director and orchestra
N
NIGHT PREMIUM: An additional pay for people working past 8 PM.
O
OFF BOOK: The term that refers for when actors must have all their lines memorized, not reading them off book or off script
OFF-BROADWAY: New York City theatres that aren’t located on Broadway
OFF-CAMERA (screen): A Dialogue or Monologue performed by an actor who isn’t in shot, often abbreviated as O.C.
OFFSTAGE (stage): Stage’s area that the audience cannot see
ON BOOK: The term that refers for when actors are still using their scripts in rehearsals; opposite to Off Book
OPEN CALL: Same as Cattle Call; long days of general Auditions available for anybody
OPENING CREDITS (screen): Credits shown in the beginning of a film or a TV show
OPENING UP (stage): An actor’s action of turning away from the audience; opposite of Closing Off
ORCHESTRA PIT (stage): A sunken area of the theatre in Front of House where the conductor and musicians are located
OUT OF FRAME (screen): A term that refers to a performer who’s outside of camera’s field of vision
OVER THE SHOULDER (screen): A shot that is focused on one actor while being filmed over the shoulder of an actor opposite them
OVERDUBBING (screen): Technique of using one audio track/sound on top of another
OVERTIME: The term refers to the time after 8 hours of work
OVERTURE (stage): The introductory music during a musical show to give the audience a feeling of what’s to come
P
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (screen): The person responsible for a big variety of things during a film production, often abbreviated as P.A.
PAN (screen): A sweeping camera shot/movement that goes from one end to the other without any cuts
PANTOMIME: A pretend speech when Extras in the background are imitating real conversations; same as Ad Lib
PER DIEM: A fee paid to the actor to cover meal costs that weren’t initially cover by the Producer
PERSONAL PROPS (stage): Props that actors carry with them in their costumes
PICK UP: Starting from a designated place in the scene that isn’t the very beginning
PICKING UP CUES: A term that refers to performers acting on their Cues faster than they previously have
PICTURE’S UP (screen): This line is shouted when a cue to shoot a scene is coming
PILOT (screen): A first episode of the TV show that is produced in order to sell the whole show
PLACES (stage): A command from Stage Manager which means all actors have to take their designated positions before going on stage
PLAYBILL (stage): A pamphlet, booklet or program that contains information about the show, OR a poster of the show
PLAYWRIGHT (stage): A person who writes plays and dramatic literature, also known as Dramatist
POST-PRODUCTION (screen): The stage that the production enters to start the editing process after all the filming has wrapped up
P.O.V SHOT (screen): Short for “Point of View Shot”, where the shot is positioned in the way to indicate Character’s perspective
PRE-PRODUCTION (screen): The stage that the production is in before all the filming begins (writing, casting, location scouting, etc.)
PRESET (stage): When a prop or costume is placed on the stage before the show begins
PRINCIPAL: Actors with speaking parts
PRODUCER: The person responsible for the business side, as well as financing and supervising the production
PRODUCTION COMPANY: The firm that is making the production happen
PROFILE: Performers’ view from the side
PROMPT (stage): A person who follows the play by the book and gives actors the line when they forget; similar to Holding Book
PROP MISTRESS / MASTER (stage): Someone who’s in charge of all the Props
PROPS: Objects and items used by performers on the set and stage; not the same as costumes
PROSCENIUM (stage): Arch that frames front of a theatre stage
R
READING (stage): Reading and demonstration of a new play to an audience with little to no actions
READ-THROUGH (stage): A first reading of the play by the cast that is going to perform on the show
REAR OF HOUSE (stage): Area in the back of the stage, usually used to store props and furniture
REHEARSAL: Time of practice and Blocking before the actual performance either on stage or in front of the camera
REPERTORY THEATER (stage): A theatre group that rehearses several plays at a time
REPRISE: Repeating the performance
RESIDUAL (screen): A pay that performers get every time the production they were a part of gets rebroadcast
RESUME: A list of actor’s information, including Credits, personal details, special skills, etc.
REWRITE: Editing of the Screenplay or a play
RISER (stage): A platform on the stage that creates different levels
ROLL OVER (screen): A command given by the Director to Cinematographer and Mixer to start rolling
ROLLING! (screen): A command then given by the member of the Crew to start rolling the cameras and sound
ROOM TONE (screen): Recording of a sound on location, sometimes referred to as Wild Track
RUN (stage): The number of times that the stage show has been performed
RUNNING-TIME (stage): The time it takes to run through the stage show, including intermissions
RUN-THROUGH (stage): Rehearsal where the whole show is being run from the beginning to the end
RUSH CALL (screen): Last minute booking of performers or Extras
S
SCENARIO: An outline of the plot
SCREENPLAY (screen): A written piece of material by a Screenwriter used for a film or TV, also known as Script
SCREENWRITER (screen): The person responsible for writing a Screenplay to film
SCRIM (stage): A drop of special material used to for setting the scene
SCRIPT (screen): A written piece of material for film or TV, sames as Screenplay
SCRIPT SUPERVISOR (screen): The person responsible for tracking all the changes made to the Script
SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (screen): The person responsible for dealing with things that have to do with actors and Script revisions
SECOND TEAM (screen): The Crew that’s ready for Stand-Ins coming in
SECOND UNIT (screen): A small group of filmmakers that film less important shots not involving principal actors
SEGUE (screen): A transition from one shot to the other
SELECTIONS (screen): Wardrobe of actors or Extras
SET: Either location where the filming takes place or a stage where a theatrical production is being staged
SET DESIGNER (stage): The person responsible for stage’s set design
SET-UP (screen): The time of camera changing the position
SHORT (screen): Refers to Short Film, which is a film of shorter length, usually made on a lower budget by aspiring filmmakers
SIDES: Part of the script, usually a couple of pages, that is used during an Audition
SKINS: List of people working who have been booked for that particular day
SLATE (screen): A quick statement to the camera of performer’s name, and any additional required details before the Audition begins
SLATE BOARD (screen): A chalkboard with a clapper on top used as a visual Cue for the camera and to mark the shot being filmed
SOLILOQUY: Monologue that usually represents the inner workings of one character’s perspective
SOUND DESIGNER (stage): The person responsible for designing sound directions during a staged show
SOUND EFFECTS (stage): Noises used to accompany a scene on stage
SPEC (screen): People who arrived on the set when they’re not booked, OR a Screenplay that has been written without arrangement
SPEED (screen): A old-fashioned command from a Crew member to indicate that everything is ready for filming the scene
SPIKE (stage): The same thing as Marking Out
SPIKING THE LENS (screen): The term that refers to an actor looking directly into the camera during a Take
SQUIB: A small device that simulates a bullet-shot on the body and similar effects
STAGE DIRECTIONS (stage): Script giving actors specific directions for actions on the stage
STAGE FRIGHT: An anxiety during the performance
STAGE LEFT (stage): A Stage Direction for the actor to move to the left, from actor’s perspective
STAGE MANAGER (stage): The person responsible for running the whole show
STAGE RIGHT (stage): A Stage Direction for the actor to move to the right, from actor’s perspective
STAGE WHISPER (stage): Whisper during a show that isn’t supposed to be heard by the audience
STANDBY: The command for actors to be ready for their Cue for action
STAND-INS (screen): Performers used in the place of principal actors while adjusting cameras and lights
STEPPING ON LINES: A term used for when one actor cuts off another actor, not to be confused with interruption
STRIKE (stage): Taking apart the stage set
STUDIO (screen): A room or a building where the filming on the Set takes place
STUNT COORDINATOR: The person who’s responsible for coordinating all Stunts performed by actors
STUNT DOUBLE: The person who performs all the Stunts instead of the principal actor
STUNT: Physical actions that are considered dangerous
SUBMISSION: Submission/suggestion of actors for roles
SUBTEXT: The true feeling behind the words that a character is saying
SUMMER STOCK (stage): Repertory Theatre that produces shows during summer time
SW (screen): Implication of an actor commencing work on that particular day; term used on the Call Sheet
SWF (screen): Implication of an actor beginning and finishing their work on that particular day; term used on the Call Sheet
SWING (stage): A performer in a musical show who substitutes for chorus that cannot perform; similar to Understudy
T
TAKE (screen): A shot that is being taken
TAKE 5: Five minute break
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (stage): The person responsible for supervising construction of a stage set
TECHNICAL REHEARSAL (stage): The first time the play is rehearsed at the location it’s going to be seen by an audience
TELEPROMPTER: A device that allows for the reader to look right into the camera while reading the Script
THREE BELLS (screen): An indication to be quite on the set during the filming of the scene
TIGHT SHOT (screen): A shot that focuses on a single subject and allows for very little to no extra space around
TILT (screen): When movement of the camera vertically
TIMING: Best moment for an actor to do something or say something
TOPPING A LINE: A term refers to an actor responding with a line that is more powerful than the one delivered before them
TRACKING SHOT (screen): A shot taken with a camera on the move
TRADES: The type of media that is about the entertainment media, also known as Trade Papers
TRAP (stage): An opening on the stage where something or someone can be hidden
TREATMENT: More detailed explanation of the story or plot
TROUPE (stage): A theatre company formed by a group of actors
TURNAROUND (screen): Shot from a different direction, OR the time between finishing work and starting it the next day
TWO-SHOT (screen): A shot of two actors
U
UNDERSTUDY: An actor who learns one or more roles to substitute in case principal actors cannot perform
UNION: Unions are responsible for protecting performers’ rights, regulating pay and working hours
UPGRADE (screen): Usually refers to individuals being promoted to being a more significant part of the production
UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER (screen): The person responsible for managing production’s costs, often abbreviated as UPM
UPSCALE (screen): The term refers to performers and Extras that come in nicely dressed; opposite of Downscale
UPSTAGE (stage): Area of the stage farthest away from the auditorium
V
V.O. (screen): Abbreviation for “Voice Over”
VOICE OVER (screen): A term used to indicate an off-camera directions, narration, commentary, etc.
W
W (screen): Implication of an actor working on that particular day; term used on Call Sheet
W/N (screen): Implication that an actor will be working on that particular day, but no time has been decided yet; used on Call Sheet
WAIVERS: A Union’s approvement to deviate from the contract
WALKAWAY: Break for meals when the Cast and Crew can go on their own to eat
WARDROBE: An actor’s clothing for the performance or filming
WARDROBE ALLOWANCE (screen): Payment made to actors who use their own Wardrobe during the filming
WARDROBE FITTING: An appointment when actors are trying out Wardrobe and costumes
WEATHER PERMIT CALL (screen): During unplanned weather conditions, the production can dismiss actors 4 hours after the Call Time
WRANGLER (stage): The person responsible for the younger cast members
WRAP (screen): The end of the filming for the day or the whole production
WRAP PARTY: Party that takes place after the production has been finished and Wrapped
