Raked Stage
A sloping stage which is raised at the back upstage end. All theaters used to be built with raked stages. Today, the stage is flat and the auditorium is raked or tiered to improve the view of the stage from all seats.

Realism
A style of writing and acting in which everyday lower and middle class life is painstakingly displayed in a simple, mundane, straightforward style to reflect the human condition as it actually is.

Rear Projection
Scenic effects which are produced by lights shining through a rear screen or cyclorama. This can include silhouettes, colored lighting and slide or film projection.

Rehearsal
A practice performance of a play or show. A preparation of the production with the cast, director and crew. The cast is usually in their street clothes, the director is working out problems with the script, etc. A play is often done in disjointed pieces to get the bugs out of a performance. When a play is rehearsed this way from start to finish, it is called a Run-Through.

Revue
A later form of vaudeville show involving a smaller cast of performers who were required to do more that one act or sketch. A performer might sing in one part, do comedy in another, etc. Revues also had permanent Chorus Lines. Also known as a Variety Show.

ROLE
The part an actor performs in a play, sketch or skit. Whenever someone is pretending to be someone he is not, that person is playing a role, as opposed to a singer, dancer or comedian who is being a form of him or herself.

Ruche
A pleating or gathering of cloth such as curtains or drapes.

Run-Through
See Rehearsal.

Runway
A narrow form of Thrust Stage which extends beyond the orchestra pit and into an aisle so it can be surrounded by an audience along its long sides. Popular for modeling shows, nightclubs and striptease clubs.

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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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