Dictionary

Theater-in-the-round: Also called an "arena," this is an indoor or outdoor stage completely surrounded by the audience.

thrust stage: A theater design in which seating is provided on three sides of the stage.

understudy: A performer who may have a small continuing role in a play or musical but is primarily ready to step into one of the lead roles if necessary.

upstage: Also referred to as "above," the rear of a stage that in earlier times was higher than the front portion to create a sense of perspective and to add visibility to props and actors at the back. "Upstage" also is a term used when one actor literally draws attention away from another.