What Special Terminology is Used in Acting?
A Deep Dive Into the Language of the Stage and Screen
(By Tonya Tannenbaum)
Cold Reading
Cold reading is a term used in auditions and acting classes. It refers to reading a script or scene aloud without any prior rehearsal or memorization. This tests an actor’s ability to interpret material quickly and perform on the fly.
Example:
An actor walks into a casting room and is handed a new script. They’re expected to read the lines with emotion and character, despite seeing them for the first time. That’s a cold read.
Blocking
Blocking refers to the precise staging of actors in a performance. It includes all the planned movements onstage or in front of the camera, often directed by the director.
Example:
In a theater play, an actor is told to walk downstage right when delivering a dramatic monologue. That movement is part of the blocking.
Beat
In acting, a “beat” is a pause or a shift in the character’s intention or emotion. It allows the actor to transition from one moment to the next.
Example:
An actor playing a husband finds out his wife is leaving him. He hears the news, takes a beat (a short emotional pause), then responds with sorrow and disbelief.
Cheating Out
“Cheating out” is when a stage actor positions their body so that they are partially facing the audience, even when speaking to another character. This makes the actor’s face and voice more visible to the crowd.
Example:
In a two-person dialogue, both actors turn slightly toward the audience rather than facing each other directly. That’s cheating out.
Fourth Wall
The fourth wall is the imaginary barrier between the actors and the audience. When actors “break the fourth wall,” they address the audience directly.
Example:
In House of Cards, Kevin Spacey’s character frequently turns to the camera to share his thoughts. This is breaking the fourth wall.
Off-Book
Being “off-book” means that an actor has memorized all their lines and no longer needs the script during rehearsal.
Example:
By the third week of rehearsal, the director expects everyone to be off-book, so the focus can shift to performance rather than reading lines.
Improvisation
Improvisation, or improv, is acting without a script. It’s the art of creating dialogue and action spontaneously.
Example:
Shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? are based entirely on improvisation, where actors respond instantly to prompts and each other.
Method Acting
Method acting is a technique where actors fully immerse themselves into their roles, often drawing on personal experiences to deliver authentic performances.
Example:
Daniel Day-Lewis stayed in character for months while filming Lincoln, even off-set. That’s method acting at its most intense.
Slate
A slate is an actor’s on-camera introduction at the start of an audition. It typically includes their name, agency, height, and sometimes a profile turn.
Example:
“Hi, my name is Sarah Matthews. I’m 5’7”, repped by APA Talent.” That’s a slate.
Monologue
A monologue is a long speech delivered by a single actor, usually to express a character’s thoughts or address another character or audience.
Example:
Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy is one of the most famous monologues in acting history.
Cue
A cue is a signal for an actor to say their line or perform an action. Cues help keep the timing of a scene smooth and coordinated.
Example:
An actor waits for the sound of a door slamming—a cue to enter the room and begin their scene.
Mark
A “mark” is a designated spot on stage or set where an actor is supposed to stand during a scene, often indicated by tape.
Example:
The director tells the actor, “Hit your mark before the camera pans.” The actor then steps precisely on the marked X on the floor.
Call Time
Call time refers to the specific time an actor is expected to arrive on set or stage.
Example:
If an actor’s call time is 7:00 AM, they need to be ready, in costume and makeup, by that hour.
Table Read
A table read is when the cast gathers—often literally around a table—to read the script aloud together before filming or staging.
Example:
Before shooting a TV pilot, the entire cast sits down for a table read, where the director listens to how the scenes sound with all actors present.
Understudy
An understudy is an actor who learns the part of a lead or supporting character and is prepared to step in if that actor is unable to perform.
Example:
When the lead actress in a Broadway show gets sick, the understudy performs the role in her place.
Stage Left / Stage Right
These terms refer to the actor’s perspective while facing the audience. Stage left is the actor’s left; stage right is their right.
Example:
A director might say, “Exit stage left,” meaning the actor should leave toward their left, not the audience’s left.
Offstage / Onstage
“Onstage” refers to being in the visible performance area. “Offstage” means being out of sight of the audience.
Example:
While waiting for her cue, the actor quietly waits offstage, ready to step into the spotlight.
Upstage / Downstage
Upstage is the part of the stage farthest from the audience; downstage is closest to the audience. These terms date back to when stages were sloped.
Example:
During a dramatic scene, an actor walks downstage to get closer to the audience for emotional impact.
Ensemble
An ensemble is a group of actors who work together as a cohesive unit, often with no single leading role.
Example:
The cast of Les Misérables is considered an ensemble because of its strong group performance without one standout star.
Final Thoughts
The world of acting has its own vocabulary—terms that help performers, directors, and crew communicate clearly and create compelling stories. From “beats” to “blocking” to “breaking the fourth wall,” these expressions form the foundation of professional acting. Whether you’re a seasoned thespian or just learning the ropes, understanding this terminology will deepen your appreciation of the craft and prepare you for success on stage or screen.
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