Exploring Key Theater Terminology Quiz

1. What role does a director play in a play production?

A. Lead actor in the play responsible for guiding other actors.

C. Stage manager who handles logistics during rehearsals and performances.

The person in chargehe or she has the vision for what the completed play should look like

B. Set designer who creates the physical environment for the play.

The director is the individual responsible for overseeing the entire production and guiding the creative vision of the play. They work closely with actors, designers, and crew to bring the play to life on stage.

Explanation

The director is the individual responsible for overseeing the entire production and guiding the creative vision of the play. They work closely with actors, designers, and crew to bring the play to life on stage.

2. What does 'down stage' refer to in stage terminology?

The area of the stage closest to the audienceoriginally determined by the " raked" stage

The area of the stage on the left side

The area of the stage farthest from the audience

The area of the stage where lighting equipment is placed

In stage terminology, 'down stage' refers to the area closest to the audience, historically determined by the 'raked' stage where the front of the stage is angled downwards towards the audience.

Explanation

In stage terminology, 'down stage' refers to the area closest to the audience, historically determined by the 'raked' stage where the front of the stage is angled downwards towards the audience.

3. What is drama?

A form of painting

A type of comedy

A genre of music

To do or acta literary composition performed onstage

Drama is specifically defined as a literary composition that is performed onstage, typically involving dialogue and action.

Explanation

Drama is specifically defined as a literary composition that is performed onstage, typically involving dialogue and action.

4. What are the key factors in developing an effective voice?

Loudness and projection

Fast talking and enunciation

Influenced:bodily relaxationproper breathinggood posture

Lack of preparation and stage fright

Developing an effective voice involves a combination of bodily relaxation, proper breathing, and good posture to ensure clear and engaging communication.

Explanation

Developing an effective voice involves a combination of bodily relaxation, proper breathing, and good posture to ensure clear and engaging communication.

5. What does it mean to perform in an ensemble?

When only a select few actors are chosen to perform key roles.

When every actor performs independently with no collaboration.

When one actor stands out as the star of the show.

Performing in an ensemble means working together as a cohesive unit where no one individual is more important than the rest. It requires support, collaboration, and unity among all cast and crew members.

Explanation

Performing in an ensemble means working together as a cohesive unit where no one individual is more important than the rest. It requires support, collaboration, and unity among all cast and crew members.

6. What does it mean to focus?

Ignoring

Multitasking

Daydreaming

Concentrating on the line scene etc.

Focusing means directing one's attention and energy to a specific task or object, while the other options suggest a lack of focus or attention.

Explanation

Focusing means directing one's attention and energy to a specific task or object, while the other options suggest a lack of focus or attention.

7. What is the fourth wall in theater?

The fourth wall is a concept that involves audience participation in a play

The fourth wall refers to the back wall of the theater stage

The fourth wall is a physical barrier actors cannot pass during a performance

In theater, the fourth wall is an imaginary boundary that separates the audience from the actors on stage. Breaking the fourth wall refers to actors directly addressing or acknowledging the audience, which can disrupt the illusion of the performance.

Explanation

In theater, the fourth wall is an imaginary boundary that separates the audience from the actors on stage. Breaking the fourth wall refers to actors directly addressing or acknowledging the audience, which can disrupt the illusion of the performance.

8. What are gels used for in lighting?

A type of food thickening agent

The material used to hold the light bulbs in place

The plastic used to change the color of the lights(this is the second most frequently missed questions)

A type of hair styling product

Gels are thin sheets of colored plastic or glass used in front of light sources to alter the color of the light produced.

Explanation

Gels are thin sheets of colored plastic or glass used in front of light sources to alter the color of the light produced.

9. What type of theater is American theater based upon?

Shakespearean theater

Broadway theater

Improvisational theater

Greek theater served as the foundation for American theater with its incorporation of a chorus and the first person to act out the action.

Explanation

Greek theater served as the foundation for American theater with its incorporation of a chorus and the first person to act out the action.

10. What is cold reading?

The ability to accurately predict weather conditions by observing nature.

A technique used in cold therapy to reduce inflammation in muscles.

A method of reading body language to determine if someone is lying.

Cold reading in the context of acting refers to the challenging process of performing with a script that the actor has not had prior exposure to, requiring skill and adaptability.

Explanation

Cold reading in the context of acting refers to the challenging process of performing with a script that the actor has not had prior exposure to, requiring skill and adaptability.

11. What does it mean to cross?

To cancel or end something

To make an X shape

To get angry

To move across the stage

The correct meaning of 'to cross' is to move across something, such as crossing a street or crossing a river.

Explanation

The correct meaning of 'to cross' is to move across something, such as crossing a street or crossing a river.

12. What is a cue?

A term for a horse's tail in equestrian sports.

A code used in billiards to signal a specific shot.

A line or mark at which an event or process should occur.

A cue in theater refers to a signal for actors, not a specific point in an event or process, a billiards term, or a horse's tail in equestrian sports.

Explanation

A cue in theater refers to a signal for actors, not a specific point in an event or process, a billiards term, or a horse's tail in equestrian sports.

13. What is a bit part?

A part with very few speaking lines. a small part in the play

A main role with a lot of speaking lines.

A role that requires extensive training and experience.

An invisible part that doesn't involve any acting.

A bit part refers to a small role in a play or film that has very few spoken lines. It is not a main role with a lot of speaking lines, an invisible part, or a role that requires extensive training and experience.

Explanation

A bit part refers to a small role in a play or film that has very few spoken lines. It is not a main role with a lot of speaking lines, an invisible part, or a role that requires extensive training and experience.