Dark
The time when no production is scheduled. When the theater is empty.

Deux Ex Machina
In classical Greek drama, an actor playing a god who was lowered to the stage to resolve the action of a play. Today, it can be a character portraying a similar role or various other improbable plot devices used to resolve the plot such as the cavalry coming to the rescue or an unexpected inheritance. From the Greek meaning, "God from out of the Machine."

Dialect Comic
A comic using the heavy accent, exaggerated costume and humor style of a particular ethnic group, although not usually his own.

Dialogue
The prewrtten words in a play or sketch which the actors speak.

Downstage
The stage area closest to the audience, towards the seats. Early stages were sloped towards the audience, thus an actor walking to the front of the set was literally walking down the stage.

Drawing Room Comedy
Witty, upper-class British comedies of manners that gained popularity at the beginning of the 20th Century. Drawing room comedies were the foundation for many television situation comedies.

Dress Rehearsal
A rehearsal of a play or show with full costumes, make-up and production. Usually occurs the day before a play or a show's opening.

Drop
Any large painted canvas background whose top is suspended from the ceiling and is unrolled or lowered when needed. Lengths of chain are sewn into their bottoms so they do not flap in a breeze. Short for Backdrop.

Dumb Act
Any vaudeville or music hall act that did not rely heavily upon dialog or singing. A dumb act could be dancing, acrobatics or juggling. See Act.

Dutchman
A thin strip of canvas or muslin pasted over the narrow space between two flats. This is a popular technique to cover cracks in hinged flats.

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Glossary Index - Main Menu - Overture

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A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M

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N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

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