From the outside the theatre industry can feel daunting, especially if you don’t understand some of the language or jargon that people use. Our beginner’s guide to the theatre industry is a great starting point to help you understand the basic theatre terms and definitions to words such as ‘the half', ‘tabs’ and ‘wings' and so much more. So next time you’re going to an audition, job interview or starting some work experience you’ll be able to show off your expert theatre industry knowledge by using these theatre terms.
Can refer to Artistic Director or Assistant Director
From Latin phrase 'Ad libitum' which translates to 'at one's pleasure'. For an Actor to speak and move in character without direction or following the script. Often used if a mistake is made and the actor improvises to get back to the script
Someone who acts on behalf of Performers to help find them work
Amateur dramatics, non-professional theatre
The front of the stage that juts out in front of the proscenium arch
Someone who oversees the artistic programme of the theatre as well as managing funding, budgets and staff
Assistant Stage Manager
A type of interview for a Performer to showcase their talents and check their suitability for a role
The call given to Actors five minutes before the start of the performance to ensure they are in position
The instructions of where the Actors need to stand or move
The American equivalent of the West End, located in Manhattan, New York. A central area for performances such as plays and musicals
The time in which you must arrive for your rehearsals or for the show
The communication system between departments, usually through a headset
The middle of the stage
A sequence of steps and movements for staged dances and performances
Casting an Actor for their ability over what their appearance is. Often used for characters where race, gender or ethnicity is not mentioned in the play
A drama school or performing arts training institution with conservatoire status, meaning training is particularly intensive
Company Stage Manager
A trigger for an action to happen
The end of the show, usually when the actors take their bows
When a theatre is not currently being used for performances
The front of the stage, nearest the auditorium
A school which specialises in teaching about performance and theatre
A rehearsal in costume where the full production is performed
Deputy Stage Manager
A part of a play with speaking roles for only two Actors
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August, with a large number of performances at different venues across the city.
When the audience is on one side of the stage
A group of Actors who play background roles and appear in multiple scenes, can also be used to refer to an entire theatre company
A union for people working in the performing arts, including Actors
The rigging system made up of ropes and pulleys that enables Stage Crew to quickly move large pieces of scenery
A metaphor for the invisible and imaginary 'wall' between the Actors on stage and the audience
Theatre that is experimental in style or subject matter. The term comes from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe are small-scale theatres often located above pubs, and are the equivalent of New York's Off-Off-Broadway Theatres and Europe's 'free theatre' groups
Fitting of the set in the theatre
Taking down and removing the set from the theatre
Warning called when the lights are about to be turned off
The call given to Actors half an hour before they are to be called to start the performance. This is given at 35 minutes before the start of the show
Professional photograph of yourself which you hand out at auditions and to Agents
The auditorium
The lights in the auditorium
Short hand for improvisation where an Actor comes up with lines on the spot, unrehearsed
When the audience sit on every side of the stage
Safety curtain used to separate the stage from the audience in case of a fire
The lighting department
Afternoon performance of a show
A speech by only one Actor
An Actor who plays more than one character in a play
An initiative created by the National Theatre where they broadcast their productions live via satellite to cinemas and arts centres around the world
Launch night of a production which invites members of the press to review the production for their publication e.g The Stage
A set of performances for the public before its official opening. They are used by Directors to highlight any problems and correct them before opening/press night when critics review the production
Someone who tells Actors their lines if they forget them, or the act of telling actors their lines if they have forgotten them
Research and development - often used to explore a new idea/concept
A system of theatre where one group of Actors appear in multiple productions at the same time. Often shortened to just Rep
A re-staging of a production after its original run has closed
A system of ropes and chains to support some sort of frames i.e. the set of a production or lighting
The Royal Shakespeare Company. A theatre company who perform the works of Shakespeare and Playwrights of today. Their main home is in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace.
Text of a play
William Shakespeare. English Poet, Playwright and Actor. Regarded as the greatest Playwright in the English language and the world's greatest Dramatist
A performance for Performers to showcase their talent to industry professionals in a hope of gaining work and or an Agent
Used in musical theatre and opera - first rehearsal between the Singers and the Orchestra
Stage Manager
Society of London Theatre is the trade organisation representing West End theatres and other major London theatres
A casting notices website
Left hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your left)
Right hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your right)
First run of the show in order of events
To remove the set from the stage
Short hand for sound
A rehearsal to practice the technical elements of the performance
The world's oldest and best theatre publication, offering theatre news from London's West End and across the UK, including news, jobs and interviews. Visit thestage.co.uk
A type of staging which includes the stage extending past the proscenium arch into the auditorium. The thrust will have audience sit on three sides of the stage
Running through the play in sections where the cues need to be practised, such as a lighting or sound change. The Actors will only say the lines at the beginning and end of each section for the cues
Type of staging where the audience sit on either side of the stage, facing each other
UK's leading theatre and performing arts membership organisation. They promote excellence, professional development and campaign to improve resilience and increase audiences across the sector
The back of the stage, nearest the backdrop
A department within a production or theatre where all costumes and props are made, kept and maintained
The main commercial and subsidised theatres in London, including its oldest and most prestigious venues. The British version of Broadway
The sides of the stage (offstage)
A form of documented theatre in which plays are constructed from the precise words spoken by people interviewed about a particular event or topic
Often referred to as a showreel, it is a short edited video which showcases an individual's previous work in video
A short edited video which showcases an individual's previous voice work on video
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Photo: Arts Educational Schools, London
It’s not a bad thing to have nerves before an interview or theatre audition – it is your body’s way of showing that you really care about what you are pursuing. However, sometimes nerves and anxiety can affect our behaviour and it’s good to learn how to control this, so that it doesn’t affect your performance in the interview/audition. Even the most experienced professionals can still feel nervous sometimes!
noun
"he felt a surge of anxiety"
The NHS says: “anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.” It is a normal feeling to have before an interview or doing something for the first time. Your heart rate may rise and you can start feeling a bit hot and sweaty.
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Preparation is the key to help you feel more at ease on the day. Follow the tips below to ensure you keep your nerves under control.
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Remember that it’s not the end of the world if the interview didn’t go to plan. Take each interview as experience that you can use for the next one. Try not to dwell on it afterwards – you’ve done everything you can and given it your best shot, it’s now out of your control. Give yourself something to look forward to after your interview, book yourself in for a treat where you can relax afterwards and take your mind off it – you deserve it!
If you need to speak to someone about anything that is concerning you then contact http://www.artsminds.co.uk/
Published: 04 March 2019
Rejection is something that most people working in theatre will regularly experience. Whether you are trying to get into drama school, having an audition or interview, getting an agent or just trying to get seen by the right people, you will experience rejection throughout your career. So, how do you deal with it?
Use your rejection as experience. Take on board any comments you may have received and use them to improve yourself for the next opportunity. Go for every experience that comes your way – especially when it comes to auditions or interviews, the more you do, the more you will feel comfortable with the experience. Those who you may look up to in the industry went through a lot of rejection before they got to where they are now.
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Sometimes you may be rejected for something that is outside of your control. It’s not a reflection on your talent, but could be something such as your height which you can’t change. Focus on your strengths and remind yourself of what you are good at and where your skills lie, don’t let the rejection put you off for the next time you have an audition or interview.
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A rejection may not be a completely shut door. You may not have been the right fit for that role or job in that circumstance, but the interviewer may think of you in the future for something else. Each interview or audition is an opportunity to network and meet new people who you may work with further down the line.
Remind yourself of the saying ‘when one door closes another door opens’. A rejection doesn’t have to be the end of the world and another opportunity could present itself that is better and more suited to you. Try not to weigh all your hope on one opportunity, as this puts a lot of pressure on you and this may result in you not performing your best during the interview/audition. Take a look at our blog on How to tackle nerves and anxiety for further advice on this.
If you do find yourself upset at a rejection you have received, then allow yourself that time to feel upset about it and then work out a plan on how you will move forward from it. Give yourself a day to go through those emotions and then think about your next steps; how will you grow and learn from this experience?
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https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2016/ul-clayton-how-should-actors-cope-with-rejection/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-strong/on-rejection-and-resilien_b_8648058.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzuL4Jsdbdw
Photo: Rose Bruford
Published: 04 March 2019
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Here are some companies, charities and websites that offer support around mental health aimed at those working in the theatre and performing arts industry.
ArtsMinds is a collaborative initiative from British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), Equity, Spotlight and The Stage to bring together into one place a raft of resources for Performers and creative practitioners facing mental health issues.
https://wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
Wellbeing in the Arts is an organisation that provides resources such as counselling and coaching for individuals as well as services for employers and businesses including workshops, talks, seminars, events, and mental health first aid training.
Be Extra is a resource hub of intersting, fun and easy-to-digest digital resources to help support the mental health and wellbeing of creative minds.
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
Industry Minds was founded in 2018 by Actors Scarlett Maltman and Cathy Read with a goal to better mental health support to those in the creative arts industry. This organistaion offers free one-to-one counselling sessions who need it in the industry.
https://applauseforthought.co.uk
Applause for thought offers one-to-one support, talks, workshops and accredited mental health training courses with the aim to empower individuals and organisations within the industry and equip them with the knowledge and tools surrounding mental health.
Most jobs in theatre are on a freelance basis and you will be contracted for a specific job. There may be times in between contracts, when you want to get another job to earn while you are applying/waiting for the next theatre job to come through. This is perfectly normal and a part of the vast majority of theatre professionals’ careers.
Whatever job you go for, be honest from the beginning about your situation, employers will appreciate that and can also support you. It’s difficult to be in a situation where you are having to lie or keep things quiet to your place of work in order to pursue your theatre career.
Leading workshops and sharing your experience/skills is a good way to earn some extra money and can pay well for your time too (eg. £80 - £150 for a two-hour workshop). Contact local schools, universities, drama schools, drama clubs etc and offer your services. If you are planning on approaching a school, take a look at their curriculum and, if you see that you can create a workshop based off something they are currently learning, then this is a good starting place. Universities sometimes hold workshops/panel discussions for third year students who want to know what it’s like working in the industry and you can offer your first-hand experience. Once you secure and deliver a workshop or masterclass, be sure to ask for some written feedback –this is a great way to book the next workshop as you build up your reputation. This line of work would also be on a freelance basis and may not be very regular.
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Picking up a regular teaching job is another great way to earn and also continue within your field of work. Teaching a weekly class gives you security of regular pay, however this often means that you will need to commit to at least a term at a time, if not longer. You might also be required to have a DBS certificate which allows you to work with children.
Working for companies such as restaurants, bars or gyms that offer shift work can be useful for in-between theatre jobs, as you have guaranteed regular work as well as the opportunity for over-time. You could potentially swap shifts with co-workers if you need a day off for an interview/audition. Many companies enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role, especially if it is customer facing.
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There are a few temping agencies where you can join who will help find you work. This is on a temporary basis, being placed in a company to deliver certain tasks for a short period of time (eg. one week) to help them out. These can be well paid between £10 - £15 per hour and you don’t have to commit for a long period of time.
Call-centres often have a very large team of employees. This means that if you do need to have a day off for an interview or audition this won’t have a huge impact on the company and they can often be flexible with you. Many of these companies also enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role.
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There are other companies who like to hire those in the theatre industry and offer flexible work and support your career in the theatre industry. These companies advertise their vacancies on Facebook in groups such as The Hustle, British Actors Network, Actors UK and Bossy. These Facebook groups also provide a network with other industry professionals and emerging companies often put calls out for theatre jobs.
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
There are many roles in theatre where you can use your maths and/or science skills in your career.
Many of the roles within the administration teams require a certain level of maths skill – especially within the finance department. Some examples include:
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Maths is often used within the customer services team too, especially with the handling of products and money:
There are also opportunities as a Producer or Artistic Director to use your maths skills, as these roles deal with tight budgets and fundraising.
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Science:
There are roles in theatre that use science skills especially within the creative and production teams. These include:
The study of light and sound is often taught in science subjects and can be a useful skill in these listed roles.
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Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 04 March 2019
There are many roles in theatre that don’t require any qualifications, where you can work your way up. However, if you are pursuing a career in theatre that requires a certain level of skill or safety qualifications – such as working with electrics or at height – this might mean you need qualifications, although not necessarily at degree level.
Take a look at the Careers in theatre blog for a full list of all jobs that are available in theatre. They are split into four sections; Creative Team, Production Team, Customer Service and Administration.
Here are some examples of roles in theatre that you can go straight into without a degree. You can use these as a starting point to gain that vital experience for you to pursue your chosen career.
You can start yourself up straight away as a freelance Writer, Director or Performer and can approach small scale/fringe theatres to gain and build up your experience. This can then lead to further work or open up your opportunities to approach larger scale theatres or productions.
Alternatively, there can be opportunities to be an assistant for these roles. This will also give you great experience and also the chance to work alongside other professionals and learn from them.
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Starting as Stage Crew is great experience to gain knowledge and understanding of backstage roles to pursue a career in stage management, lighting or sound.
To pursue a career in the wardrobe department you can look at becoming a Wardrobe Assistant or Wigs Assistant.
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Front of house, Ushers and Box Office Assistants are perfect roles at entry level. You’ll gain strong experience in customer service for you to pursue a career in this side of the theatre.
Sometimes Writers, Directors and Performers take on these roles as work in between their contracts.
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Starting off in an Assistant or administration role for these departments will allow you to work alongside managers and give you the experience in an office environment to pursue those careers further.
Photo: LAMDA
Published: 04 March 2019
