Theatre Glossary
Whether you're stepping on stage for the first time or picking up a script to read, here's a guide to the terms you'll encounter in the world of theatre.
30 terms in Directing & Production
Staging
The overall physical realisation of a play on stage, encompassing blocking, set design, use of space, and the visual composition of scenes. "Staging" can refer to both the process of preparing a production and the resulting arrangement. "Minimalist staging" uses few physical elements, while "elaborate staging" might involve complex sets, effects, and large casts.
Directing & ProductionStrike
The process of dismantling and removing the set, lighting, sound equipment, and all production elements from the theatre after a show closes. A "strike party" involves the whole company helping to tear down the set. The term can also refer to removing a specific item ("strike that chair"). Strike typically happens immediately after the final performance.
Directing & ProductionTech Rehearsal
A rehearsal focused on integrating all technical elements—lighting, sound, set changes, special effects, projections—with the performance. Tech rehearsals (or "tech") are typically the first time the full production comes together in the performance space with all equipment. They can be lengthy and painstaking, as each cue is set, adjusted, and recorded.
Directing & ProductionTech Week
The intensive final week of rehearsals before a show opens, during which all technical elements—lighting, sound, set changes, costumes, props—are integrated with the performance for the first time. Tech week typically includes cue-to-cues, dry tech, wet tech, dress rehearsals, and previews. It's notoriously demanding, often involving very long days for everyone involved. Theatre people sometimes call it "hell week."
Directing & ProductionTops and Tails
A rehearsal technique that practises only the beginnings and endings of scenes, focusing on transitions, entrances, exits, and set changes rather than running full scenes. Tops and tails help polish the moments that are most technically demanding and most visible to an audience—the seams between scenes where the illusion can easily break.
Directing & ProductionWrangler
A backstage crew member responsible for managing a specific category of production elements during performances—most commonly children (child wrangler), animals (animal wrangler), or quick-change costumes. Child wranglers supervise young performers backstage, ensure they're in position for entrances, and manage welfare requirements. The role requires patience, authority, and excellent organisational skills.
Directing & Production