Acting

A double is a person who stands in for an actor during scenes where the actor’s presence is not possible or practical. This can include performing stunts, dangerous actions, or scenes requiring specific skills that the main actor may not possess. Doubles are also used for scenes involving nudity or body-specific actions. Their goal is to help maintain the continuity of the performance and ensure safety during challenging or high-risk moments.

A stand-in is a person who temporarily takes over someone else's role or responsibilities while that person is unavailable. For example, in film production, a stand-in might be used to help with lighting or camera setups when the main actor is not present or on a break. In other settings, a stand-in might cover for someone in a meeting or take over a task at work if the regular person is on vacation or out sick. The stand-in helps ensure that activities continue smoothly during the absence of the usual person.

An understudy is an actor who is trained to take over the role of another performer in a play, film, or television show if they are unable to perform. The understudy learns the lines, movements, and cues of the other actor and is prepared to step in at short notice to ensure the production can continue smoothly.

A bad guy is a character in a story, movie, or television show who acts as the antagonist or villain. This character typically opposes the protagonist and engages in harmful or malevolent actions, creating conflict and tension within the narrative. The bad guy is often responsible for creating obstacles or problems that the hero or main character must overcome.

A cameo is a brief appearance by a well-known actor or public figure in a film, television show, or stage production. This role is usually small and often involves a fleeting or humorous appearance that stands out due to the actor's fame or the surprise element of their involvement.

An extra is an actor who appears in a film, television show, or stage production in a non-speaking, background role. Their primary function is to fill out scenes and create a realistic setting, such as crowds in a street scene or guests at a party. Extras do not have lines and their roles are usually brief and supportive to the main action of the production.

A role is a specific character or part that an actor plays in a film, television show, play, or other performance. It includes the character's lines, actions, and relationships within the story. The role defines what the actor does and how they interact with other characters, contributing to the overall narrative and performance.

A cue is a signal or prompt for an actor or crew member to begin a specific action or deliver a line during a performance. It can be a verbal signal, such as a line spoken by another character, or a visual or auditory signal, such as a light change or sound effect. Cues help ensure that the performance runs smoothly and that timing is synchronized among all elements of the production.

Stage direction refers to the written instructions in a script that guide actors and crew members on how to perform their roles and manage the staging of the play. These directions describe actions, movements, and positioning of characters, as well as details about the setting, props, and lighting. Stage directions help convey the playwright’s vision and ensure that the performance aligns with their intended dramatic effect.

Casting is the process of selecting actors for specific roles in a film, television show, theater production, or other performance. It involves reviewing actors' auditions or previous work to determine who best fits each character based on their skills, appearance, and suitability for the role. Additionally, casting considers how well actors will interact and perform together, ensuring they have good chemistry and can create believable relationships on stage or screen. The goal of casting is to assemble a cast that will effectively bring the script and characters to life and contribute to the overall success of the production.

An aside is a brief comment or speech made by a character in a play, typically directed to the audience and not intended to be heard by other characters on stage. It provides insight into the character’s thoughts or feelings, often revealing information or personal reflections that are not conveyed through the main dialogue. Asides are used to add depth to the character, advance the plot, or provide a humorous or dramatic effect.

Dialogue is the spoken or written conversation between characters in a story. It is used to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide information about the setting or situation. Through dialogue, characters interact with each other, express their thoughts and feelings, and engage in conflicts or agreements. Effective dialogue helps to make the narrative more dynamic and engaging, offering insight into the characters' relationships and the unfolding events.

A love interest is a character in a story who is the focus of romantic affection from another character. This character often plays a significant role in the development of the plot, particularly in romance genres, and their relationship with the main character drives much of the emotional and narrative tension. The love interest might be someone who the main character is trying to win over, build a relationship with, or who complicates the main character's romantic journey.

A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character while they are alone on stage or believe they are alone. This type of speech reveals the character's inner thoughts, feelings, or reflections directly to the audience. It is used in plays to provide insight into a character’s personal struggles, motivations, or intentions, and is a way for the audience to understand the character's internal conflicts and perspective.

An actor-manager is a person who both performs as an actor and takes on managerial responsibilities within a theater company. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, including organizing productions, handling administrative tasks, and making decisions about the direction of the company. At the same time, the actor-manager also performs in the company's plays, often taking on key roles. This dual role allows them to influence the creative and operational aspects of the company while actively contributing to its performances.

A cast refers to the group of actors and actresses who are chosen to play roles in a production. This includes all the performers who bring the characters in the script to life, from lead roles to supporting and minor roles. The cast works together to portray the story and contribute to the overall performance.

A stuntman is a professional who performs dangerous or physically demanding actions in place of an actor. They execute risky movements, such as fights, falls, or car crashes, to ensure that scenes are both exciting and safe. Stuntmen are skilled in performing these actions safely and are often trained in martial arts, gymnastics, or other physical disciplines. Their work helps create dynamic and believable action sequences while protecting the main actors from harm.

A stunt woman is a professional who performs dangerous or physically demanding actions in place of an actress. She handles risky movements, such as fights, falls, or car crashes, to ensure that scenes are both thrilling and safe. Stunt women are trained in various physical skills, including martial arts, gymnastics, and other techniques, to perform these stunts safely and effectively. Their work enhances action sequences while protecting the main actresses from injury.

A monologue is a long speech delivered by a single character in a play, film, or other performance. It allows the character to express their thoughts, emotions, or intentions directly to the audience or other characters. Monologues can be used to provide insight into a character's inner world, advance the plot, or reveal important information.

An ad lib is an unscripted or spontaneous remark or piece of dialogue delivered by an actor or speaker during a performance or speech. It typically occurs when the performer improvises, deviating from the written script to respond to a situation or add personal flair. Ad libs can be used to enhance a performance, address unexpected circumstances, or engage more directly with the audience.