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.
31 terms in Industry & Business
Run
The series of consecutive performances of a production, from opening night through closing. A "long run" suggests commercial success (The Mousetrap has run in London's West End since 1952). A "limited run" has a predetermined closing date. "Run-throughs" in rehearsal mean performing the show from start to finish without stopping, simulating performance conditions.
Industry & BusinessStanding Ovation
When the audience rises to its feet during the curtain call to show exceptional appreciation for a performance. While once reserved for truly extraordinary shows, standing ovations have become increasingly common in many theatre cultures. Nevertheless, a genuine standing ovation—where the audience spontaneously leaps up rather than following social pressure—remains one of theatre's most powerful expressions of appreciation.
Industry & BusinessTalkback
A post-performance discussion between the audience and members of the creative team, cast, or special guests. Talkbacks offer audiences a chance to ask questions, share reactions, and gain deeper insight into the production. They're particularly common with new plays, productions dealing with social issues, and educational programming. Also called a "post-show discussion" or "Q&A."
Industry & BusinessTony Awards
The annual awards recognising excellence in Broadway theatre, officially called the Antoinette Perry Awards. Established in 1949, the Tonys are the highest honour in American theatre, covering categories including Best Musical, Best Play, Best Direction, and all major design and performance disciplines. The televised ceremony raises the profile of Broadway shows and can dramatically boost ticket sales for winners.
Industry & BusinessTouring Production
A theatrical production that travels to multiple venues across a region, country, or internationally, bringing the show to audiences beyond the original city of production. Tours range from first-class national tours (replicating the original production at full scale) to smaller bus-and-truck tours. Touring is how most people outside London and New York experience professional theatre, and it's a major revenue source for commercial productions.
Industry & BusinessTransfer
When a production moves from one theatre to another—typically from a smaller or regional venue to a larger commercial one. The most common transfers move shows from Off-Broadway to Broadway, or from fringe/regional theatres to the West End. A transfer signals commercial confidence in a production. Not all transfers succeed—a show that thrived in an intimate space may struggle in a larger house.
Industry & BusinessWorkshop
In theatre, a developmental production process where a play or musical is rehearsed and performed (often with minimal production values) to test and refine the material before a full production. Workshops may be open to invited audiences and are a crucial step in new play development. The term also applies to training sessions focused on developing specific performance skills.
Industry & Business