Thread: Specialized Vocabulary (Theatre)

I am looking for specialized vocabulary for working in theatre. For instance, what are the equivilants to:

"upstage"
"downstage"
"stage right"
"stage left"
"cross"
"enter"
"exit"
"counter"
"line, please!"
"the set"
"the flies"
"the turntable"
"the grid"
"table-work"
"onstage"
"offstage"
"strike that chair"
"spike that chair"
"step unit"
"level"
"blocking"
"character"
"business"
"transition"
"motivation"
"conflict"
"dramaturg" (not playwright)
"adaptation" (of a work of literature to the stage)
"documentary theatre" (like Anna Deveare Smith)

Those are terms just off the top of my head - is there anyone here who is involved in theatre who would like to discuss terminology with me?

Shari

I don't think you need a specific dictionary for that

Somebody crossposted at Learn_russian!

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Somebody crossposted at Learn_russian!

That's me. I'm sorry - is that tacky?

Originally Posted by Dimitri

I don't think you need a specific dictionary for that

Why not? I am sure some of the terms are different. For instance, when I worked with a russian director, he kept directly translating what he wanted - and I had to explain what he meant to the American techies! He kept telling them to do something, and they'd do something totally different from what he wanted. I am certain it is because these terms are not direct translations.

For instance "cross" and "counter" - I expect if I looked them up in the dictionary, I'd find a definition for what Jesus was crucified on, and what you chop onions on in your kitchen.

Imagine how they'd look at me in a Russian rehearsal hall if I said that!

Or if I said "hanging in the fly" with the word муха?

Originally Posted by demoiselle

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Somebody crossposted at Learn_russian!

That's me. I'm sorry - is that tacky?

Oh no. I just thought I'd give you a hard time is all!

Originally Posted by Barmaley

Oh no. I just thought I'd give you a hard time is all!

::whimper::

You've given me a hard time, alright!

Post their answers here!

If I get any, I certainly will. I tried to post to ru_theatre on LiveJournal, but it appears that the internet ate my post. Argh. And I even spent quite some time composing an introduction in Russian.

Originally Posted by demoiselle

For instance "cross" and "counter" - I expect if I looked them up in the dictionary, I'd find a definition for what Jesus was crucified on, and what you chop onions on in your kitchen.

And wouldn't it be helpful to give a hint of which particular meaning you are looking for. For instance, informing if it is a verb or a noun would be nice. If counter is a noun, then is it a small marker, an imitation coin or a device to count? And which of those pertain exclusively to theatre?

Originally Posted by adoc

And wouldn't it be helpful to give a hint of which particular meaning you are looking for. For instance, informing if it is a verb or a noun would be nice. If counter is a noun, then is it a small marker, an imitation coin or a device to count? And which of those pertain exclusively to theatre?

Probably these terms can only be defined by someone who has worked both in American and Russian theatre.

"To Cross" is to walk/move from one part of the stage to another. In English, I would say, "Please cross upstage left towards the door." The actor would then walk "upstage left" which is towards the back wall of the theatre, and to the right of the stage from the point of view of the audience.

"To Counter" means to cross at the same time as another actor, in a way which compliments him. So I might have Actor A cross up stage left while actor B counters by moving downstage right.

"The grid" is a metal structure suspended above the stage, upon which the lights are hung.

"The flies" are usually long bars upon which scenic items (like curtains) are hung, which are operated by pulleys and counterweights. They move up and down, either lowering scenery or a curtain into the stage picture, or pulling them up into the "fly space" - a large "attic" above the stage which is usually equal in height to the stage picture itself.

I'll probably have to splurg on a dictionary someone from the learn_russian community pointed out to me: http://books.consultant.ru/book.asp?cod ... rp=25&up=1

Shari

The link does not work for me. Also, I dont see how crossing the stage is any different from crossing the road. The grid is a grid, and to counter means exactly the same thing as in the rest of the uninitiated world - to do something in opposition. Just look it up in a dictionary.

Otherwise, certain things you can find here
http://www.glossary.ru/cgi-bin/gl_pa...;tul!oxqzxxyiu

Maybe this will be useful:

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?p=14&a= ... c=121&HL=1

Originally Posted by basurero

Maybe this will be useful:

http://www.multitran.ru/c/m.exe?p=14&a= ... c=121&HL=1

Thank you so much for the link, basuerero! It is helpful.

When I generate a list of terms (when I get back to school I am sure I can, because our administrator is a Russian-American who has worked both places) I'll post them. Perhaps more terms will be closer than I thought . . .or perhaps not.

I've gotten a response from the LJ ru_teatr group which looks quite helpful, though it is beyond my russian abilities! I will save the information

http://community.livejournal.com/ru_teatr/221216.html