{"id":6986,"date":"2020-04-10T09:08:32","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T13:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theaterseatstore.com\/blog\/?p=6986"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:04:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T17:04:18","slug":"the-young-actors-glossary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theaterseatstore.com\/blog\/the-young-actors-glossary","title":{"rendered":"The Young Actor’s Glossary"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6987″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1775162994252{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]Every great acting career has to start somewhere, and for many performers, it begins with a role in a school play. That first taste of stepping into a character and holding an audience’s attention can spark something that lasts a lifetime. But whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your craft, understanding the language of acting is essential. From scene terminology and staging directions to line delivery and performance techniques, the vocabulary of the stage is something every aspiring actor needs to know. This guide covers the key acting terms and resources that will help you feel more confident and prepared the next time you step into the spotlight.[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”6993″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774896834355{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n
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Activity<\/strong><\/dt>\n
An activity is stage direction usually connected to an action, such as a character dialing a phone or feeding a dog.<\/dd>\n
Ad-Lib<\/strong><\/dt>\n
When a character speaks words that are not in a script, the actor is ad-libbing. These off-the-cuff phrases may happen when actors forget their lines.<\/dd>\n
Adjustment<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Directors often give actors directions for making adjustments in how they deliver material.<\/dd>\n
Apron<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The apron is the area of the theater<\/a> stage that’s located in front of the proscenium arch.<\/dd>\n
Arena<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A stage with audience seating<\/a> on three sides.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”53517″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774897009877{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n
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Aside<\/strong><\/dt>\n
When a character delivers a comment directly to the audience.<\/dd>\n
Beat<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A single-action component of spoken material.<\/dd>\n
Blocking<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Directions for the movements of actors on stage.<\/dd>\n
Central conflict<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The plot action that involves opposing forces between characters.<\/dd>\n
Characterization<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The development of qualities and personality traits in their characters.<\/dd>\n
Cheating<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Cheating involves positioning the body so it partly faces the other characters and partly angles out toward the camera or the theater seating<\/a> area.<\/dd>\n
Cold reading<\/strong><\/dt>\n
When actors read unfamiliar material they are cold reading.<\/dd>\n
Composition<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The arrangement of staging and design element.<\/dd>\n
Conflict<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Tension rises as characters have to overcome obstacles and struggles to reach objectives.<\/dd>\n
Countering<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Actors move in reaction to other actors’ movements.<\/dd>\n
Cue<\/strong><\/dt>\n
This action directive signals actors to move or speak.<\/dd>\n
Dialogue<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The lines of a script that an actor speaks.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”53509″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774897291132{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n
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Downstage<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The part of the stage closest to the audience.<\/dd>\n
Emotion<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The portrayal of feelings such as fear, sadness, love, hate, anger, and joy.<\/dd>\n
Emotional recall<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Actors use memories and personal experience to fuel their performance.<\/dd>\n
Fourth wall<\/strong><\/dt>\n
An imaginary wall that separates actors from the audience.<\/dd>\n
Framing<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Framing involves creating individual moments to highlight them.<\/dd>\n
Improvisation<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The act of performing a scene without planning or preparation.<\/dd>\n
Indicating<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A shallow performance caused by an actor performing the character’s feelings without really experiencing them.<\/dd>\n
Instinct<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A powerful impulse that helps actors feel out a situation when reacting to what’s happening on stage.<\/dd>\n
Line Cue<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The last part of a bit of dialogue that prompts the next action.<\/dd>\n
Monologue<\/strong><\/dt>\n
An uninterrupted bit of dialogue that can be lengthy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”53510″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774897147092{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n
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Motivation<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The driving force behind a character’s actions and choices.<\/dd>\n
Objects<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Physical items used during plays or movies.<\/dd>\n
Objective<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A character’s pursuit of a goal.<\/dd>\n
Obstacle<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The struggles that stand between the character and a goal.<\/dd>\n
Pace<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The speed at which an actor picks up a cue and delivers the next line of dialogue.<\/dd>\n
Pantomime<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A theater art form that tells stories through movement and music, but not words.<\/dd>\n
Physical gesture<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A movement or action used to express feelings or plot context.<\/dd>\n
Props<\/strong><\/dt>\n
Objects placed on the set, often used by actors to enhance a performance.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”53513″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1774897194837{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n
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Soliloquy<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A speech given to an audience, usually without any other actors on stage.<\/dd>\n
Speed-through<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A fast rehearsal.<\/dd>\n
Stage directions<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A writer will add reactions, gestures, and props to a script to clarify actions.<\/dd>\n
Stage left<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The direction left of the actors when facing the audience.<\/dd>\n
Stage right<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The direction right of the actors when facing the audience.<\/dd>\n
Tactics<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The methods an actor uses to achieve a goal.<\/dd>\n
Trigger<\/strong><\/dt>\n
A signal that leads to an emotional response.<\/dd>\n
Upstage<\/strong><\/dt>\n
The back section of the stage furthest from the audience.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”6998″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581377476892{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”]\n

Additional Acting Resources<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1776186244606{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n