Dictionary

patter singing: The act of including a mix of dialogue within a song.

picture frame stage: Modern stages that are rectangular in styl with a front area that separates the audience from the actors.

point of attack: The beginning of a play as determined by the script writer.

proscenium: The curtain line of the stage or the decorative framing of the stage.

protagonist: A play's central character who is the focus of the script.

repertory theater: A group that retains the same performers and other critical personnel to present all types of plays for short runs.

reprise: The repeat of a song within a musical that may be performed by the same or a different actor and sung with another interpretation of pace and tone.

revolving stage: A mechanized stage that can turn to reveal two different scenes and a change of locale without stopping the play for intermission.

revue: A musical performance that is typically a conglomeration of composers with a common thread in the songs and often accompanied by dancing.

showstopper: The crescendo song that is so impressive the performance has to cease momentarily while the audience applauds and cheers in excessive excitement.

SRO (standing room only): A sold-out performance with designated room remaining for standing and watching.

stage left/stage right: The side portion of the stage from the performer's perspective; for spectators, it's the opposite.