Rehearsal Room Terms

The rehearsal room can seem a foreign space to those new to the experience. Words are thrown about with ease that one may not encounter anywhere else in the same context. Below are a list of the terms used in Sylvia rehearsal over the last week, with short definitions.

Moment of Discovery: an instance of new understanding for the actor or character.

Get it on its feet: Take a scene from reading to allowing the actors to move around with the words.

Blocking: Deciding where the actors will stand and move in relationship to others and the set.

Stage Picture: The way a scene (the actors, set, and props) looks with consideration of the audience's perspective.

Power position: A place on stage that grants extra authority to a character.

Beat: A place of new discovery and decision.

Shape it: Work a scene with small changes to bring it closer to the desired outcome.

Exploration space: A place where actors can try new ideas.

Notes: Written reminders put into the script, often of blocking or motivation.

Cue: A line that prompts another line or action from a new character.

Let them lie: Leaving something alone to come back to at another time.

C.J. walking through blocking

Getting the scene on its feet

Taking Notes