All the World...a Stage
"Words, words, words..."
Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
Words are important and fluid. They change over time and space. These terms are related to Bible study, the world of theatre, and may be helpful with The Script Study.
THE BIBLE
The Christian scripture, consisting of the Old and New Testaments; God’s written revelation of Himself and His plan for humanity.
BULLET JOURNAL
The Bullet Journal is an analog (i.e. not digital) system of notetaking and organization. I use it to organize my study of the Bible. Read more about how I use the Bullet Journal Method for Bible study
COMPREHENSION*INTERPRETATION*APPLICATION
The goal of a solid Bible study. Comprehension seeks to understand what the Bible is saying. Interpretation is thinking about what it means and what it meant to the original audience. Application is how the words specifically relate to your life.
CROSS-REFERENCE
Words often have more than one meaning. A cross-reference is a note pointing you to another area or another source where the word is used. Seeing the word in that context can help you understand it in the context you are studying. The Bible is full of unified themes and topics that are related.
RAPID-LOG
The note-taking method of bullet journaling; known by Script Students as "Scribbling". As you read, write down your thoughts, questions, comments, and anything of interest that jumps out at you. Use signifiers, small marks or notations, to help catalog your notes.
SELAH
An ancient Hebrew word found in the Psalms. We don't know exactly what it means, but context and root words suggest it is meant as a pause and reflect. In the Script Study, Selah Moments are opportunities to dwell on what the Lord is teaching you about Him.
TRANSLATION
The Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Since then it has been translated into more than 600 different languages, including about 50 versions of English!
WORSHIP ARTS
The use of art - spoken word, visual, dance, music, etc - in a church service or for the purpose of expressing a specific message of praise.
ACTOR
(also Actress) someone who performs on stage or film.
AUDITION
Similar to an interview; a set time for the actor to show a director or producer what he or she is capable of doing by performing a brief sample of work, usually a monologue and/or part of a song. (Need help? Hire an audition coach, like me!)
BLOCKING
the movement or path an actor makes on stage.
CALL BACK
part of the audition process; a request by the director or producer to see more from an actor; usually used so the director can look at chemistry between actors or see how well an actor takes direction; not a guarantee that you'll be cast, the same way NOT getting a callback does not guarantee you're NOT getting cast. There are no guarantees in casting!
CALL TIME
the specific time you are required to be at rehearsal. For example, rehearsal might be scheduled from 6pm - 10pm, but they're not working your scene until later, so your call time would be 7:00.
CLOSING NIGHT
The last performance.
CREW
the people involved behind the scenes working with the technical elements, also called Stage Hands
DIRECTOR
the person responsible for guiding all the different aspects into one harmonious story. Related terms: Music Director - specifically works with the music, tech director - works with the designers on the technical elements, choreographer: creates the dances
HEADSHOT
An 8x10 photo of the actor from the shoulders up. Accompanies the resume and helps remind the director who you are after the audition.
LOAD IN
The day/time set aside to move all of the set and technical elements into theatre where the performance will take place.
OPENING NIGHT
the first time a show is performed in front of an audience
PROPS
Anything an actor uses on stage.
REHEARSAL
time set aside to practice and learn the show. Also TECH REHEARSAL - the time when all the technical elements are integrated into the show; dress rehearsal: the final rehearsal, sometimes in front of a small audience
RESUME
A list of shows you have worked on and skills you have developed as a theatre artist.
RUN
The length of the performance from opening night to closing night
SCRIPT
the text of the play or musical
SET
The decor on stage representing the locations of the play.
STAGE MANAGER
The director's right hand! The Stage manager is responsible for all the logistics of the rehearsal and production process, keeping everyone on track and up to speed with important information. Bigger companies might have several different kinds of stage managers or assistant stage managers.
STRIKE
After the close of the show, the time set aside to clear out the theatre.
TECH WEEK
the week before a show opens, usually an intense week of long rehearsals leading up to opening night
THEATRE ARTIST
anyone who works in theatre. Yes, there are artistic jobs - acting, directing, desiging, etc. But for our purposes at All the World a Stage, even the jobs that don't seem artistic in nature, everything from stage managing to box office volunteers, count as a theatre artist. If you play a part in creating a theatrical experience, professionally or a a volunteer, full or part time, you are a theatre artist.