For actors in the business, knowing all the acting terms will prove to be useful, as the acting industry runs on them. When you’re knowledgeable in this area, it shows your professionalism. Therefore, on behalf of our Acting for Beginners Guide, we’re very happy to bring you the biggest online Acting Dictionary / Actors’ Vocabulary with a huge amount of acting terms to help you catch up on acting terminology.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W
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
All acting terms in the Acting Dictionary / Actors’ Vocabulary are being constantly updated and new terminologies are being added all the time. If you have any additional acting terms to suggest, please do not hesitate to get in touch and contribute to this list that is of big help to all actors and other performers in the business.