The performing arts industry has its own language — and no one ever stops the room to explain it. Whether you’re new to auditions or already training, you’ll hear words like self-tape, callback, or on hold all the time. Not knowing what they mean doesn’t mean you’re behind — it just means you’re learning. This glossary breaks down the most common acting, audition, theatre, and screen terms you’ll come across, explained in plain English. Save it. Screenshot it. Come back to it whenever you need.
🎬 Auditions & Casting Terms
SELF-TAPE
A video audition you record at home and send to casting.
IN-PERSON AUDITION
An audition you attend physically, usually in a studio or theatre.
OPEN CALL
An audition anyone can attend without an invitation.
CLOSED AUDITION
An audition you’re invited to by casting or through your agent.
CALLBACK
When casting wants to see you again after the first audition.
RECALL
Another word for callback, often used in theatre.
🎥 On-Set & Screen Terms
BLOCKING
Planning where performers move during a scene.
MARK
A specific spot you must stand on for camera focus.
CALL SHEET
A daily schedule showing when and where you’re needed on set.
WRAP
The end of filming for the day or the entire project.
RESET
Returning to starting positions to film again.
TAKE
One filmed attempt at a scene.
PICK-UP
Additional filming done after the main shoot.
BACKGROUND / EXTRA
A performer who appears in the background of a scene.
PRINCIPAL ROLE
A main speaking role.
SUPPORTING ARTIST
A performer with a smaller or non-speaking role.
DOUBLE
Someone who replaces an actor for specific shots.
CONTINUITY
Making sure everything matches between shots.
CLOSE-UP
A tight shot focused on your face.
WIDE SHOT
A shot showing the full scene.
MID SHOT
A shot framed from roughly the waist up.
ADR
Re-recording dialogue after filming.
GREEN SCREEN
A background replaced digitally later.
🎭 Theatre-Specific Terms
REHEARSALS
Practice sessions before performances begin.
TECH REHEARSAL
Rehearsals focusing on lighting, sound, and technical elements.
DRESS REHEARSAL
A full run-through in costume.
PREVIEW
Early performances before the official opening.
PRESS NIGHT
The first official performance reviewed by critics.
MATINEE
A daytime performance.
SWING
A performer who covers multiple ensemble roles.
CALL BOARD
A notice board with schedules and updates.
WARM-UP
Physical or vocal preparation before performing.
VOCAL CALL
A group warm-up for voices.
FIGHT CALL
A safety rehearsal for stage combat.
CURTAIN CALL
When performers return to the stage to receive applause.
🧑💼 Representation & Industry Roles
AGENT
Someone who represents you and submits you for roles.
TALENT AGENCY
A company representing performers.
CASTING DIRECTOR
The person responsible for choosing performers.
CASTING ASSISTANT
Supports the casting director.
PRODUCER
Oversees the production financially and creatively.
DIRECTOR
Leads the creative vision of the project.
STAGE MANAGER
Manages rehearsals and performances.
CHAPERONE
A licensed adult supervising young performers.
GUARDIAN LICENCE
Permission for a child to work professionally.
CHILD PERFORMANCE LICENCE
Legal approval for under-18s to perform.
📄 Contracts & Professional Terms
CONTRACT
A legal agreement for your work.
NDA
A confidentiality agreement.
EQUITY AGREEMENT
A contract following union rules.
BUY-OUT
A one-off payment instead of ongoing fees.
USAGE
Where and how your work will be used.
RESIDUALS
Extra payments for repeated use.
DAY RATE
Your pay per working day.
EQUITY MINIMUM
The minimum legal pay rate.
EXPENSES COVERED
Travel or food costs paid back.
INVOICE
A request for payment.
TIMESHEET
A record of hours worked.
📸 Marketing Yourself
HEADSHOT
A professional photo of you.
SHOWREEL
A short video showing your acting work.
MONOLOGUE
A solo speech from a script.
SCENE
A short section from a play or script.
PORTFOLIO
Your acting materials in one place.
CV / SPOTLIGHT CV
Your acting experience listed.
CREDITS
Previous roles you’ve performed.
SKILLS SECTION
Special skills you can list.
ACCENT LIST
Accents you can perform confidently.
PLAYING AGE
The age range you can realistically play.
⭐ Platforms, Schools & Places
SPOTLIGHT
The UK’s main casting platform for professional performers.
LAMDA
A leading drama school offering acting qualifications.
RADA
One of the world’s most prestigious drama schools.
WEST END
London’s main professional theatre district.
FRINGE THEATRE
Independent and experimental theatre venues.
TOURING PRODUCTION
A show that performs in multiple locations.
REGIONAL THEATRE
Professional theatres outside London.
🧠 Audition Room Language (What casting really means)
MAKE A BOLD CHOICE
Commit fully.
PLAY THE ACTION
Focus on intention.
TAKE DIRECTION
Adjust confidently.
DON’T PUSH IT
Stay natural.
TRUST THE TEXT
Use the script.
RAISE THE STAKES
Make it matter.
LESS IS MORE
Simplify.
BE SPECIFIC
Make clear choices.
STAY PRESENT
Listen and respond.
Final thought
The industry can feel confusing when everyone seems to speak a language you’re still learning. That’s normal. Every performer — even the ones you admire most — started exactly where you are now. Understanding the terms doesn’t make you better overnight, but it does give you confidence, clarity, and control. And when you feel prepared, you can focus on what really matters: telling the story and being yourself in the room. Come back to this glossary anytime — and remember, you belong here.
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Everything explained simply, so you can feel confident and fully audition ready.
