Backstage (Film and Theater)
Backstage refers to the area behind the stage or film set where actors, crew, and equipment are positioned during performances or filming.
Scene Shift
A Scene Shift is the process of moving and reconfiguring set pieces, props, and furniture between scenes or setups to prepare the production space for the next shot.
Sound Cues
Sound Cues are pre-planned audio signals triggered at specific moments in a performance — used in theater to coordinate live audio and on film sets to give actors real stimuli to react to.
Dance Captain
A Dance Captain is a musical theater performer who maintains the integrity of the production’s choreography, running maintenance rehearsals and teaching choreography to new cast members.
Stage Manager
A Stage Manager coordinates theatrical productions — running rehearsals, calling cues during performances, and serving as the production’s on-site authority once the show opens.
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway refers to professional New York City theater in venues with 100-499 seats — smaller than Broadway but operating under Equity contracts and known for producing adventurous new work.
Showcase Code
A Showcase Code is an Actors’ Equity agreement allowing union members to perform in small low-budget productions under modified terms — serving as a development and visibility vehicle for new work and emerging artists.
Touring Production
A Touring Production is a theatrical show — typically a musical or play — designed or adapted to travel across multiple venues, either as a faithful replica of an original production or a specially created touring version.
Light Cues
Light Cues are pre-programmed lighting changes that occur at specific moments during a theatrical performance — transitions between lighting states called by the stage manager and executed by the board operator.
Tech Rehearsal
A Tech Rehearsal is the theatrical rehearsal phase where technical elements — lighting, sound, and set changes — are integrated with performers for the first time, typically the most demanding period of production.