Educational Resources

Theatre Etiquette for Kids

Here are a few things you can discuss with your class to help them understand what to expect at a live theatre production:

• Theatre features live on-stage actors. They have spent many weeks rehearsing for the performance.

• The audience is a very important part of the performance. Appreciation and enthusiasm for the performers is shown by close attention and participation and applause at the proper times. The success of the play depends on the appropriate interaction between cast and audience.

• The theatre is a very special place. Its atmosphere is entirely different from your home where the television is always available.

• It is easy to identify with live actors. You can see how they use their bodies and voices to convey different emotions.

• Actors wear costumes and make-up to help create the impression of the characters they play.

• There is much more to most live performances than actors. Special sets, effects, lighting, music, costumes, and of course, the audience add to the total experience.

Introduce your students to the following theatrical terms:

Box Office	Reserved Seats	Acts & Scenes	Producer
Program	Overture	Spotlights	Costumes
Props	Director	Stage	Curtain Call
Lobby	Stagehand	Usher	Musical Theatre
Proscenium	Orchestra Pit	Playwright	Scenery
Actor	Makeup	Balcony	Play

Discuss the role of the audience and proper theatre etiquette.

• Arrive early so that you do not miss anything and so that you will not disturb the rest of the audience while trying to get comfortable in your seat. Lights go out before the curtain goes up and seating is very difficult after that.

• It is easier for you (and the rest of the audience) to see and hear the performance if you stay in your seat and listen very carefully. Be careful not to kick your feet or hit someone else’s seat with your feet.

• In most theatres you are not allowed to eat or chew gum. Not only does it ruin the theater, but it also distracts from your concentration.

• Try your best to remain in your seat once the performance has begun. Be sure to use the restroom before the show starts. In long performances, there will be an intermission. However, there is usually no intermission in a performance of the Primary Players since our shows are about one hour in length.

• Although you may wish to say something to the actors while they are on stage, you need to hold your thoughts. You may disturb their concentration.

• Sing or participate if and only if you are invited to do so. Your participation is often very important.

• Listen to how the music sets the moods and affects your own feelings.

• Show the cast and crew your appreciation for their hard work with applause. Do this when you like a song or dance or joke at the end of the show.

Theatre Etiquette for Adults

THEATRE RULES ARE LIFE RULES

At Life:

You are responsible for disposing of your own trash.
Be open to new methods, new ideas,
and new techniques. Give yourself the freedom to explore your character
and your abilities. Cast members must be alert and listening for
instruction at all times.
DO NOT CHANGE YOUR HAIR!!! Once you are cast in the show, you cannot change your hair without the Director’s permission.
Once a part is accepted, you must
honor your commitment. Actors portray the part(s) they are assigned to
the best of their ability. There are no small parts – everyone works
together as a team. The Director’s decision is always final.
Check your email and Facebook postings daily for updates about rehearsal schedule, events, etc.
Be Prompt!! Always arrive 15
minutes early for rehearsal to sign in (YOU WILL HEAR THIS A LOT!).
Put your personal items in the designated area and prepare for warm-ups
prior to rehearsal.
Always call your Assistant Stage
Manager immediately if you have a last minute problem and will be late
or absent to rehearsal. If a new conflict arises for a future rehearsal
date, you must notify the Stage Manager as soon as you know about it.
If you can’t reach a stage manager, text or call the producer.
Maintain a quiet, disciplined, and professional attitude at all times. Once the rehearsal or performance starts, only whisper voices will be permitted only if absolutely necessary.
We are guests in the Rehearsal
Spaces and in the Theatre and must act as such. No one will be allowed
to run around, jump off of or climb onto the stage, use loud voices, or
wander about.
If behavior becomes a problem, your
parent/guardian may be required to attend rehearsals/performances to
supervise you. If behavior continues to be a problem, you may be removed
from the rehearsal, the performance, or even from the production
altogether.
Do not leave your assigned area. No
cast member is permitted in the public areas of the rehearsal site or
theatre prior to or during a performance.

At Rehearsal:

Never talk when the Director or Stage Manager is talking!
Do not direct, coach, or offer opinions or suggestions about scene work to your fellow cast members. All ideas and suggestions should be given to the Director at the appropriate time
Accept all notes from the Director/Stage Manager and say, “Thank you.”
Never disagree with the Director in front of the cast. If you don’t
understand or if you disagree, speak to the Stage Manager after
rehearsal or ask the Director for some one-on-one time to discuss.
Because
you are not allowed to talk during rehearsals, you should study your
lines and read along with the play. You may bring homework or a book to
read.
Lines must
be learned by the date set. You are required to allow your parents
and/or siblings to help you learn your lines, blocking, etc. in order to
achieve the best result.
All cast members are required to ask permission and be accompanied in order to leave the rehearsal area for restroom breaks.
You must
have your script/score and at least one sharpened pencil for every
rehearsal – even after you are Off-Book. You will be required to make
notes in the script regarding blocking, and dialogue.
Turn off
all cell phones and leave them off until the end of rehearsal. If you
are expecting an important call, give them the Stage Manager’s number to
call instead.
Only
water bottles with screw on lids are allowed at rehearsals. No other
liquids are allowed. You may bring small, clean snacks if needed. You
may eat/drink only during breaks and in designated areas.
Wear appropriate clothes for rehearsals with closed-toe shoes. No short shorts or short skirts, bare midriffs, flip flops, crocs, high heels, etc. No inappropriate logos.
If you have questions about anything or don’t understand something, talk to your Stage Manager after rehearsal.
All cast
members who are waiting to be picked up must remain near the sign in/out
area. You MUST be signed IN and signed OUT. Do not go out of the
building or to any other part of the building.

At The Theatre:

Only cast
members and production team members are allowed in the backstage area,
the Green Room, and the Dressing Rooms. Do not invite or bring any
friends or family into the backstage area.
At the end of the performance, you will be allowed to go in costume to the Lobby to greet family members and friends.

PROPS & SETS

All Props, Costumes, Accessories, and Set Pieces/Furniture are the property of Primary Players and shall never be taken home.
IF IT DOES NOT BELONG TO YOUR CHARACTER, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Do not touch any prop, especially if it is not assigned to you.
You will
be allowed to do a prop check before each rehearsal / show to make sure
the props you need are in the right locations. Do not move them for any
reason. If it is in the wrong place, damaged or needs attention let the
Assistant Stage Manager know immediately.
Return all props to the appropriate place on the props tables after each rehearsal and performance.
Do not sit or lean on any set pieces or furniture. They may not be strong enough to hold you!

Theatre Glossary

ACTOR – The person who portrays a character in a play. The word “actor” can describe a man or a woman. Actress is a woman who acts.

AD LIB – To make up lines that are not in the script, to improvise

AUDIENCE – A group of people who come to see a performance.

AUDITION – A tryout by an actor; the director decides who the best person for each part.

BACK-STAGE DIRECTING – “Back-stage directing” is when one actor gives another actor direction, line readings, or character interpretation – this is inappropriate because only the Director or Stage Manager is allowed to do this.

WORKING BUSINESS – Working business is when one actor works with another on timing, handling props, or stage combat – both actors are in the scene together and benefit from working together.

BLOCKING – Movement on stage; it is developed during rehearsal by the director and the actors. Everyone knows where every actor, prop, and set piece is placed during the play. Blocking is very similar to a dance routine or a football play.

UP STAGE – the actor moves to the back of the stage and away from the audience
DOWN STAGE – the actor moves toward the audience
STAGE LEFT – the actor’s left when facing the audience
STAGE RIGHT – the actor’s right when facing the audience
OPEN TO THE AUDIENCE – keeping the actor’s face and body visible to the audience
CHEATING OUT – turning the body and face in an open position to the audience

CALLBACK – The last phase of auditions is the “callback.” A select group of actors are called to audition once more for roles in a play. They may read with a number of different actors, receive special coaching, or read the most emotionally demanding scenes one last time before a cast list is posted.

CALL TIME – The absolute latest time an actor can arrive at the theatre.

CHARACTER – A make-believe person played by an actor or actress.

CHOREOGRAPHER – A choreographer is the creative-team member responsible for dance movement to songs and production numbers. He/she may be assisted by a “dance captain” who can also teach and review the choreography with cast members.

COSTUMES – Costumes tell about the character: personality, job (like a nurse or police officer), economic status: wealth or poverty, special occasion (like weddings or school photo day).

CUE – The line or music phrase before a line or entrance or exit that prompts an actor. When memorizing, actors must know the cue before every one of his/her own lines.

DIRECTOR – The person in charge of the play, who casts the characters and who works with the Scene Designer, Costume Designer, Prop Designer, Sound and Lighting Designers to determine how the play will look.

DRESS REHEARSAL – The final rehearsals prior to performances in which all technical elements including costumes and hair/make-up are included. Usually, these rehearsals are run without interruption as if an audience were present.

FLY / FLY RAIL – Scenery that is raised and lowered by ropes and/or wire is called scenery that “flies.” The fly loft is located directly over the stage; it is the tallest point in most theatres to accommodate flying scenery while it is out of sight from the audience. The “fly rail” is the rope, weights, and pulley system needed to fly the scenery. It is very dangerous and off limits to non-crew stage personnel.

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR – The light board operator is responsible for operating the lighting control system for a specific production. The light board operator attends all technical rehearsals and performances. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance.

LOAD IN / STRIKE – Load In is when the set, costumes, props are taken to the theatre and installed in their proper place for the run of the production. Strike is when the set, costumes, props etc., are removed from the theatre and returned to their storage areas.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL – All actors are expected to rehearse with the same energy, commitment, and focus “as if” an audience was present.

PHOTO CALL – Actors arrive at the theatre and get into costume and make-up as quickly as possible to take production photographs.

PROSCENIUM ARCH – The main “picture frame” at the front of the stage – it frames the acting area.

PROPERTIES OR HAND PROPS – Any item carried by an actor: briefcase, hairbrush, puppet, book, …

PROPS MASTER/MISTRESS – Gathers and/or construct props needed for production; attend all tech week & performances.

REHEARSAL – Time spent practicing the play. It includes blocking, memorizing, and creating the characters. Rehearsals don’t have an audience present.

RUN-THROUGH – A rehearsal when the actors have memorized and rehearse the show from beginning to the end without stopping.

SCRIPT – The written version of the play. It tells a story using characters, dialogue (conversation), and actions. A playwright is the author of a play.

SETS/ SCENERY – Locations needed to tell the story: a classroom, a kitchen, a playroom…

SHIFT REHEARSAL – A rehearsal for the stage management team and the Run Crew to rehearse scene changes.

SIDES – the portions of the script used for readings in auditions & call-backs.

SOUND BOARD OPERATOR – The sound Board operator uses the sound equipment to play back sound effects for a specific production. There can be complicated sound effects, which require quick thinking and hand/eye coordination. The sound board operator attends all technical rehearsals and performances. He/she are expected to participate in any strike following the closing performance

SPIKE MARK – The tape mark on the stage floor showing the actors where to place a piece of scenery or where to stand.

STAGE TERMS

“Stage” is the part of the theatre where the acting takes place.
“House” is where the audience sits.
“Backstage” is where the scenery is kept and where the actors wait to enter.
“Front of House” is where the audience buys tickets and waits in the lobby.
“Apron” is the extension or acting area in front of the proscenium arch.
“Upstage” is the area of the stage farthest from the audience.
“Downstage” is the area of the stage closest to the audience.
“Wings” are the areas off stage where actors and scenery stay out of sight of the audience.
“Legs” are the curtains located at each side of the side that hide the wing space.
“Backdrops” are scenic pieces that hang from battens overhead to depict different locations.
“Cyclorama” or “Cyc” is a white sheet that hangs from a batten upstage and lit with different colors.
“Flats” are smaller backdrops depicting locations and scenery in the play.
“Wagons” are scenic pieces on wheels and roll on stage and off.
“Platforms” are raised scenic pieces that actors can stand on.

STAGE ABBREVIATIONS

Character names are abbreviated; usually with first initial.

LQ – light cue

SQ – sound cue

R – right

SR – stage right

L – left

SL – stage left

DS- downstage

US- upstage

USR – Upstage right

DSR – down stage right

USL – upstage left

DSL – downstage left

DC- down center

USC- up stage center

En – enter

Ex – exit

X – Cross (as in crosses stage)

SL1 – first “leg” at left stage

SL2 – second “leg” at left stage

SL3 – third “leg” at left stage

SR1 – first “leg” at right stage

SR2 – second “leg” at right stage

SR3 – third “leg” at right stage

STAGE MANAGER – A respected creative-team member who is second to the director. The stage manager is responsible for all aspects of rehearsals/performances, taking down blocking notes for actors, maintaining a property list, creating the property tables for a production, and the person who calls technical cues for lights and sound during a performance.

STOP & START or WORK THROUGH – A rehearsal when the director stops and works a scene or line or set change, and the actors begin the scene again.

STRIKE – The set and costumes and props are sorted, disassembled, moved from the theatre, and stored in their proper place.

TECHNICAL REHEARSAL – A rehearsal when the technical crew learns the cues and movement for a production. Scenery, props, lighting cues, sound cues, music cues, costumes/fast changes are added to the rehearsal. The tech rehearsals always take place in the theatre. These are the most stressful and demanding rehearsals – time, energy, focus, and safety.

TECH/DRESS – A rehearsal when the actors are in full make-up and costume, and run the play as if it is a performance.

WINGS – The areas to the right and left of the stage where actors and scenery wait to come on.

How To Write a Bio

So I need to write a bio about myself and need some tips in doing so. If anyone has any do’s or don’ts on how to craft a proper bio, that would be so helpful!

Responses:

Generally, they’ll give you a word count, so keep that in mind.

Most bios I’ve seen and written focus on a few points: your name, your role, previous work (doesn’t have to be everything, just highlight a few you’re proud of), maybe a thank-you to family or an SO for love and support, and some people put a clever or meaningful quote at the end.

In the section for previous work, I usually I know name two or three shows, maybe one extra if I’m listing work with different theater companies.

Sometimes I will start by saying I am proud/delighted/glad to reunite with a particular director, or to return to a theater company.

When in doubt, throw something together and run it by someone else in your cast.

This is the format I have used (and have seen to be widely used):

If this is your debut at a particular company; if not, what else have you been in at that company?
Other shows/companies you’ve worked with (pick a couple highlights)
Pertinent hobbies (music, dance, etc.)
Education
Any special thanks (possibly in first person, if it makes sense)

Bios should be in third person. The education part can be moved around, especially for child/student actors. They should be very short unless otherwise told – like one sentence per bullet point above, if that. Possibly include your website or professional social media at the end.

Example:

“‘Reddit: The Musical’ marks cherrypro’s first production with Internet Theatrical Company! They have previously performed on Broadway in ‘Marvel’s The Avengers: The Musical’ as Ensemble New Yorker #42. When not performing onstage, cherrypro can be found practicing the harmonica. They hold a degree in Underwater Basket Weaving from the Hippy Arts College at Generic University. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, and Santa Claus!”

If you have any Playbills, you can check there for more examples. Or, go to almost any Broadway or touring show’s website, go to cast and creative, and look there.

Or, when in doubt, ask the director of the show you’re working on what to they want.

I edit playbills locally. There’s already some good advice in here, but I have some additional advice to help you look professional:

GRAMMAR IS IMPORTANT. Learn how to use commas, semi-commas, proper capitalization, etc.
Be consistent. For example, always list the character before the play, or always put the theatre name in parentheses.
Don’t just list a slew of shows you’ve been in. It goes boring for the reader.
Don’t be afraid of the thesaurus. I once did a production of Sweeney Todd where literally the entire cast wrote “name is excited to…..
Double check spelling of show names, characters, and especially theatres. Do they use ‘er’ or ‘re’. It’s astounding how often this is wrong, especially if someone writes “I’m excited to make my debut at Company Theater!” when it’s Company Theatre.