1

Everything About a Family (Almost)

(Show Companion)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TADA! Youth Theater

p.1

Using the Show Companion

p. 1

Theater Etiquette Tips

p. 2

About Everything About a

Family (Almost)

p. 3

Interview with a lead writer

of Everything About a Family

(Almost)

p. 4

What is a Family?

p. 5

Say What?

(Glossary of terms) p. 6-7

Word Search

p. 8

Guide Activities

p. 9-15

Theater Terms

p. 16

_______________________

P: 212-252-1619

F: 212-252-8763

education@tadatheater.com

www.tadatheater.com

Award-winning Musical

Theater Shows, Classes &

Camps.

Singing, Dancing & Acting

Since 1984!

For nearly three decades,

the Drama Desk Award-winning

TADA! Youth Theater has

afforded young people of all

backgrounds the opportunity to

explore and perform musical

theater together in an

educational, supportive and

professional environment.

TADA!’s mission is two-fold: to

present high-quality musical

theater productions performed

by talented kids for family

audiences; and to provide a

safe, creative, and nurturing

place where kids can harness

their inherent energy, build their

self-esteem, and realize their true

This Show Companion is a practical, hands-

on resource for teachers, parents and kids

that contains background information

related to TADA!’s production and

curriculum-based exercises.

potential through the unique

collaborative art form that is musical

theater. Through TADA!’s high-quality

work, young people gain confidence

and learn commitment, responsibility,

communication and teamwork—skills

that are critical to their success in

both school and life.

TADA! focuses on four key program

areas: 1. The Resident Youth Ensemble: a

completely free pre-professional

training & youth development

program;

2. Original musicals professionally

produced for family audiences at

affordable prices;

3. Renowned in- & after-school arts

education residencies to enhance

curriculum & culture at schools and

community centers;

4. On-site theater classes & camps for

children ages 2 to 14, taught by

seasoned theater & teaching artists,

for which need-based scholarships

are provided.

The contents of this guide may be

explored before and after attending

Everything About a Family (Almost).

2

1. Laugh, cry, and sigh – but don’t talk. You hear the actors; they hear

you. Any reaction that comes from your experience of the play

supports the performance, but shouldn’t distract from it.

2. Please enjoy food and beverages in the lobby – not the theater – and

please put any garbage in the garbage cans before the show.

Note: Actors will hear if you’re unwrapping throat lozenges or hard

candy. Please do that before or after the show – not during the

performance. No gum is allowed in the theater.

3. Please silence all phones, tablets and anything else that might make

noise or light up during the show. Then, after the show, be sure to like

it, tweet it, post it and talk to your friends to tell them how much you

enjoyed it!

4. Please stay in your assigned seat.

5. Photographs (with or without flash – and even on your phones) as well

as the recording of the show in any way are not allowed. Recording

the show is distracting and potentially dangerous to the actors as well

as your fellow audience members. Additionally, recording is prohibited

to protect the artistic work that went into making the show.

Tips for Teachers and Group Leaders: Please arrive approximately 30 minutes early.

Assign one chaperone for every fifteen students and ask your

chaperones to disperse themselves amongst the student group to

help support best behavior.

We want to extend a sincere thank you to all teachers, parents, and

group leaders who bring their students to TADA! Youth Theater. We

greatly appreciate your supporting theater and arts education.

Show Companion / Page 3 of 18

3

Below: Production photo (2015)

Everything About a Family (Almost)

Janine Nina Trevens, Artistic & Executive Director and

The Resident Youth Ensemble present an original

musical about a family reunion like no other where

kids discover how quirky, fun, endearing and

irreplaceable family can be!

Originally conceived and written by members of

TADA!’s Resident Youth Ensemble: Christina Franklin,

Merce Jessor, John Moriarty, Maya Park, Jennifer Wais

and Casey Wenger-Schulman

Music and lyrics by: Gary Bagley, Deirdre Broderick,

Douglas Cohen, Jim Colleran, Miriam Daly, Scott Evan

Davis, Drew Fornarola, Simon Gray, Kirsten A.

Guenther, Lindsay Joelle, Phoebe Kreutz, Naomi Lee,

Callie LeFevre, Arianna Rose, Kiernan Schmitt, Joy

Son, Robby Stamper, Steve Sweeting, Tom Toce

Direction and Choreography by Joanna Greer

Musical Direction by Adam Jones

Set & Lighting Designer: Steve O’Shea

Costume Designer: Megan Turek

Production Stage Manager: Samantha Jacob

Recommended for audiences 3 and up

Dates: January 17 – February 16, 2015

Running Time: approx. 60 min.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Leah Miller’s family Leah

Michael

Angela Miller’s family Angela

Mackenzie

Dylan

Steffi

Cameron

Zoey

Jake

Tammy

Lindsay

Tom

Edward Jr.

Tyler

Alyssa

Carla

DJ

Nancy

Hannah

Samantha

Tim

Jason

Will

Nick

Chloe

Jessie

Musical Numbers

“Everything About A Family”

“Relatively Speaking”

“Why Are My Parents So Embarrassing?”

“My Teeth”

“Hand Me Downs”

“The Big Lagoon”

“Ship Shape”

“A Name For Myself”

“The Change is Strange”

“Amy”

“Mom Likes Me Better”

“Emma’s Gone”

“Miller Madness”

“Going Home”

____________________________________

TADA! Here We Are

Music & Lyrics by Joel Gelpe

The Band Musical Director/Piano – Adam Jones

Keyboard – Ben Schendler-Terry*/Chloe Pae*

Drums/Percussion – Ray Grappone

Bass Guitar – Reynaldo Nunez*

* Principal Ensemble Member

Production Photos

2014 Heroes (left)

Unsung (right)

TIME: The present, summertime

PLACE: A cruise ship

4

Q: What was the inspiration to create this musical and what did you/TADA! want to achieve? A: The goal was to add another show to the “Everything About” series. After the success of “Everything

About School”, “…Camp”, and “…A Day”, we wanted to expand with another widely relatable topic. Q: When this musical was created, you were a member of the TADA! Ensemble and one of the

writers. How did these two roles differ and how did they complement each other? A: As a writer, I had to think of the entire arc of the show and the overall momentum. Was it working?

Does it make sense? Do we need this song? Should we change the order of some scenes? As a

performer, I had to focus on my character only and her personal journey. By having the wider

knowledge of the world of the play, I had a stronger grasp on the circumstances and I was able to

develop my character further. Q: You’re also working on another TADA! musical entitled, EVERYTHING ABOUT TADA! (ALMOST). How is

this musical different and/or similar to EVERYTHING ABOUT A FAMILY (ALMOST)? A: It’s similar in that we are starting with a giant pool of ideas. Like with “Family” we are throwing

around everything that comes to mind about the given topic: TADA! and theater in general. From

there, we bring in the “Almost” factor and scale down on ideas to tackle in efforts to make the show

approximately 55 minutes. The processes are also similar in that they are hugely relatable for the

creators involved so we are able to speak and develop from a personal standpoint. “Everything About TADA!” is different because it is much more of an informatory presentation since the

audience won’t be familiar with the ‘ins and outs’ of TADA! in the way we (the writers/performers)are.

We aim to make this show as inclusive as possible and stay away from inside jokes. Q: For EVERYTHING ABOUT A FAMILY (ALMOST), what do you think is most interesting and what are you

most proud of? A: I am most proud of the fact that the writing team was dedicated and saw the show through to

opening night. Thinking back to the mile-long list of initial ideas we had, it’s amazing to think that we

created an hour-long show out of all of it! I am also proud that, for the most part, we were able to

separate ourselves as writers/performers and consider the greater good for the show. That is a hard task

to ask of any theater-maker, so as 13, 14, and 15 year olds, I think we handled it pretty well.

Q: As one of the lead writers for EVERYTHING ABOUT A

FAMILY (ALMOST), can you tell us your primary role and

responsibilities? A: My responsibilities included being present at all writing

meetings where we brainstormed together and juggled

ideas. Eventually we made a list of scenes that needed to

be written to go along with the songs we had chosen.

From there, Maya Park (another alum) and I wrote scenes

that dealt with the agreed upon subjects and themes. We

brought them back to each session and discussed them

with the group.

5

“Children’s growing awareness of diverse family structures provides rich opportunities to help

them celebrate family diversity and engage them in conversation about who is in THEIR family,

who lives in THEIR house and more importantly - who takes care of them.” Read more at: www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2014-how-to-help-children-understand-

diverse-families/#sthash.MRgtgACw.dpuf

“Today's nuclear families occupy considerably more diverse ground than the ‘mom, dad, a

couple of kids’ model of times past. Nowadays, ‘typical’ families include multi-ethnic adoptive

families, single parents, guardian grandparents as well as biracial, same sex parents and

blended families.” Read more at: www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2012-family-matters-how-to-help-children-

celebrate-family-diversity/#sthash.0HI6UsHR.dpuf

”THEY’RE PEOPLE WHO LET YOU LIVE AND LEARN AND PEOPLE YOU LOVE IN RETURN

EVEN WHEN YOU DISAGREE.

SO WHAT IF YOU JUST DON’T MATCH ONE BIT?

‘CAUSE PART OF YOU KNOWS THAT YOU FIT

AS IF YOU WERE MEANT TO BE…

AND THAT’S A FAMILY!”

(Excerpt from the song, “That’s A Family”)

Did You Know?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the

definition of family is simply: a group of people who are

related to each other (by blood or marriage).

However, this definition begs for a broader treatment

due to the fact that there are many different types of

families within one’s local community and throughout

today’s world,

6

Amok - wild; out of control.

Anchors Aweigh - phrase said in preparation of getting underway, especially of a ship;

derived from the U.S. Naval Academy fight song.

Batten - a thin, flexible length of wood or other material used to maintain flatness in a sail.

Bequeath - to leave or pass on (e.g., property) by a will, usually to one of a younger

generation.

Briny - of or like brine or salt water; very salty.

Chic - elegant or fashionable; stylish.

Clearasil - a brand of skin care and acne medication.

Coat of Arms - the symbol of a family, country, or organization. It shows designs and figures

on and around a shield.

Commotion - a noisy confusion; disorder.

Compromise - a settlement of a disagreement in which each side gives up something.

Concur -to share the same opinion; agree.

DNA- an abbreviation for "deoxyribonucleic acid substance”; it’s found in cells that

contains information about the characteristics of a living thing.

Gene - a tiny section of a chromosome that causes a particular characteristic, such as eye

color or hair color, to be passed on from parent to offspring.

Haiku - a Japanese verse form made of three lines, or any poem written in this form. Line

one has five syllables; line two: seven syllables; line three: five syllables.

Hand-me-down - an article of clothing passed on to another person after being used

and/or out grown.

Heirloom - an object passed down through generations of a family.

Imply- to hint or suggest without saying directly.

Ingenious - clever or creative in setting up or working through problems.

Keel - a long piece of wood or metal that runs down the length of the bottom of a boat or

ship. The keel makes a boat or ship stable in the water.

Kin - the members of an extended family; relatives.

Lagoon - a shallow body of salt water by the sea. A lagoon is separated from the sea by

sandbars, coral reefs, or islands.

Mimic - to copy or imitate.

Mon Ami – French for “my friend” or “my love.” (continued)

7

Morph - to be transformed.

Mull - to think something over; ponder.

Noggin - (informal) the head.

Promotion - a raise to a higher grade or position.

Puberty - the stage or age at which a person experiences the maturation of the

reproductive system.

Relatively Speaking - true in situations similar to the one at hand.

Reunion - a meeting of friends, family, or other people who have been apart from each

other for a long time.

Schmooze - to chat idly; gossip.

Scoff - to speak with mild scorn or derision (often followed by at).

Seersucker - a thin cotton or rayon fabric, usually striped and with a crinkled appearance.

Taboo – forbidden.

Titanic –the White Star Line passenger steamship, acclaimed for its size, speed, and

durability, which sank on April 15, 1912 after striking an iceberg on its maiden

voyage, killing over 1,500 people. In Everything About a Family (Almost), this word is

referencing the popular 1997 movie, Titanic.

QuOTES from the musical that include

words from the glossary:

HERE’S A LITTLE QUESTION: WHAT IS A FAMILY?

TRY TO MULL IT OVER…WORK IT OUT. …

…FROM THE UNCLE WHO’S A JOKESTER IN THE

BLUE SEERSUCKER PANTS. …

SOME FAMILIES HAVE A COAT OF ARMS

OR HEIRLOOMS THEY BEQUEATHED…

…WE LAUGH AND SCHMOOZE

AND GENTLY CRUISE

UPON THE BRINY TIDE. …

…THEN THE MEAN GIRLS WON’T DARE SCOFF

‘CAUSE I’D BE MODEL RUNWAY CHIC…

8

Everything About a Family (Almost)

Word Search Search and circle the words from the word bank below.

These words are from the glossary of terms found on pgs. 6-7.

N B S T D N A C Y I L L G Q K Q H

G O L C N K W X L H L T N S B I A

M V I I O Q V U P U C S I U Q H N

C O A T O F A R M S E N K O G N D

H Z N T O B F P I E O R A I N O M

S E B A R M U N R I U M E N E G E

C J I I M B M S T C O W P E T G D

H O N R E I U O N K A Y S G T I O

M Y M R L C M O C S E V Y N A N W

O N T P K O C W R C L N L I B J N

O Y D E R I O O B E Q U E A T H L

Z Y R P M O H M H C J H V G A T E

E P C I H C M N U L I X I J B Y E

V I M S N U K I A H I N T W O E K

Q K M A X V U P S F J H A E O K F

L I S A R A E L C E P U L T D P Z

G N O I N U E R E F F R E R I S A

L A G O O N M O R P H N R L R T M

Word Bank Go to pgs. 6-7 to see the definitions of the words in the bank below.

AMOK

ANCHORS A WEIGH

BATTEN

BEQUEATH

BRINY

CHIC

CLEARASIL

COAT OF ARMS

COMMOTION

COMPROMISE

CONCUR

DNA

GENE

HAIKU

HAND ME DOWN

HEIRLOOM

IMPLY

INGENIOUS

KEEL

KIN

LAGOON

MIMIC

MON AMI

MORPH

MULL

NOGGIN

PROMOTION

PUBERTY

RELATIVELY SPEAKING

REUNION

SCHMOOZE

SCOFF

SEERSUCKER

TABOO

TITANIC

9

THEME 1: INDIVIDUALITY

The characters in Everything About a Family (Almost) often feel like they’re too “different” to be

part of their family – as if they don’t belong. They discover that their unique assets are what make

them an individual. They also realize that part of being a family means accepting the unique and

sometimes quirky qualities that each family member possesses.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES Focus:

Creativity and Innovation, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication and

Collaboration, Creative Writing, Theater, Self-Expression, Multiple Perspectives, Visual Arts

Related Subjects:

English Language Arts, Arts Education, Sociology, Mathematics

Level:

Elementary School (and higher)

Self-Portrait Drawing or Writing Activity

On your own

In Everything About a Family (Almost), the characters sometimes make choices based

on how they see themselves. Choose one of the following activities to explore how you

see yourself.

1. Draw a picture of yourself

Think about the things that make you unique. There are many ways you

can be unique. For example, maybe you’re great at making a silly face

or maybe you picture yourself doing something you’re talented in. If so,

what activity are you doing?

Start with a general shape and work your way to the specifics. Use your

reflection in a mirror. What does your silly face look like? Don’t be afraid

to start over!

2. Write a sketch describing you

A sketch is a piece of writing that describes a character or a location. It is

usually 1-2 paragraphs long. You can describe your physical qualities

and/or the qualities that make up your character (who you are).

Describe yourself as you do your favorite activity – maybe you’re baking

a cake, reading a book, playing your favorite sport, or having a snowball

fight.

Tip: Imagine that you’re describing yourself to someone who has

never seen you in person. How would you describe yourself to him

or her?

Also great

at-home

activity ideas!

10

Acrostic Poem Writing Activity

On your own or with a partner

An acrostic poem is a type of poetry where the first, last or other letters in a line spell out a

particular word or phrase. Here is an example using the name Jane:

Joyous, full of bliss

Amiable, instantly likeable

Nurturing, bringing out the good in people

Easygoing, a breeze to get along with

1. On your own, write an acrostic poem where the first letter of each line spells out your

name.

Write the letters of your name along the side of a piece of paper.

Use those letters to write a poem about yourself.

Think about what makes you unique or what your name says about you.

2. With a partner, challenge yourselves to create a new acrostic poem using both of your

names OR find a creative way to combine your and your partner’s name poems!

Diagram: Similarities/Differences Discussion & Writing Activity

In groups of 3

In Everything About a Family (Almost), some of the characters know that they only have a few

things in common with their other family members while others lament that they have nothing

in common with their family members. In this activity, try to find things that you have in

common with the people around you!

Get into groups of 3 and draw a Venn Diagram like the one below

(there should be one circle per person):

1. Find at least three things that everyone has in common (i.e., a place you’ve all been to,

food you’ve tried, favorite colors/music, etc). Once you find these things, put them in

your circle at the very center (area A).

2. Find at least two things that you have in common with each separate person in your

group. Once you’ve identified the commonalities, put them in the area where your

circle overlaps with the other person’s circle (area B).

3. Find things that you all do not share in common and assign them to the outer edges of

your own circle.

11

B Diagram: Similarities /Differences

Continued from p. 10

Inside & Out Writing Activity

On your own

In this activity we will explore what you think and feel about yourself and your family.

Do you feel different than the rest of your family like the characters in Everything About a

Family (Almost)?

1. Using the shape on the next page, answer the following question inside the body of the

figure.

How do you feel about yourself within your family?

2. Using the shape below, write your answers outside the body of the figure.

How do you feel about your family members?

How do you think your family members feel about you?

B

B

A

12

Inside & Out

Continued from p. 11

13

THEME 2: FAMILY

While the dictionary definition of family may only include those related to you by blood or

marriage, our modern definition of family includes much more! Family has now come to include

all the people that care about you and are invested in who you will become. Good friends can

be part of your family. Groups that you are involved in can be part of your family. People that

live with you and help to raise you are part of your family. Who do you consider to be your

family? Is your pet a member of the family?

Family Alphabet Relay Brainstorm Activity

In groups of 4-5

In a relay you have to work together as a team to win the race! Split up into groups to do this

relay and brainstorm some ideas about family. You will need a large sheet of chart paper and

a marker for each group.

1. Each group should take their relay sheet and marker to their own area in the space

and work together to write each letter of the alphabet:

A _____________________ L _____________________ W _____________________

B _____________________ M _____________________ X _____________________

C _____________________ N _____________________ Y _____________________

D _____________________ O _____________________ Z _____________________

E _____________________ P _____________________

F _____________________ Q _____________________

G _____________________ R _____________________

H _____________________ S _____________________

I _____________________ T _____________________

J _____________________ U _____________________

K _____________________ V _____________________

2. Each group should line up in front of their relay chart. When it’s time to start, the first

person in line should write a word or phrase about family that begins with the letter A.

For example:

A unt________________ or A lways there for you

The first person then passes the marker (or baton) to the person behind him/her and

joins the end of the line. The next person should fill in the letter B and so on.

Here are a few guidelines you must follow:

Your team can help a group member who gets stuck or needs an idea.

You must write in order. Don’t mix-up or skip letters!

Every member of your group must participate in writing.

3. When a group is finished they should sit with their arms folded to indicate that they are

done.

4. Once all the groups are done, review everyone’s ideas together! If you want to keep

score and determine a winner give each team a point for every idea that was highly

unique / original. For example, if all teams wrote Aunt for the letter A, but only one team

wrote Always there for you, then the latter would get one point.

14

My Family Tree Research Activity

On your own with an adult member of your family

Many people think of their families like a tree… always growing and changing as new family

members are born and old ones pass away. Our family history is unique to each of us and is

often filled with fascinating stories about ancestors. With an adult relative, find out more about

your family history! (See next page…)

1. Write your name and birthdate in the box by the tree’s roots.

2. In each of the connected boxes above write the names of your parents and their

birthdates. Move up the tree until you have filled out each of your grandparents’

parents… those would be your great grandparents!*

*Remember that families are made in all kinds of ways! Add boxes to include birth parents or

other essential members of your family tree.

A Family Portrait Acting Activity

In groups of 8-10

Families often take pictures or portraits of themselves to record how they were during different

stages of their lives together. As a group create some fun and unique portraits of all kinds of

families!

1. In an open space have the participants walk around at a pedestrian speed (no

running… just casually walking). Encourage them to walk independently and not with

their friends.*

2. Call out a number and have them get into groups of that number. For example, if you

call out “4” then they should quickly get into groups of 4. Depending on the number of

participants, groups may consist of 2, 4, or 5 people.

3. Once they are in their groups call out a kind of family for them to create a quick

tableau (frozen image). You might choose to call out types of characters (e.g.,

ballerinas, alligators, etc.) or character traits (e.g., surprised, angry, confused, etc.).

These frozen pictures or tableaux should be created in the style of a family portrait.

Extension: The Selfie Challenge! Call out “Selfie” when you want participants to

adjust their portrait as if they were taking a self-portrait.

4. After they have held the position of their tableau, have them unfreeze and walk around

the space again. Continue until you have created many family portraits of all shapes

and sizes!

5. You may want to share some of these portraits as a large group. Have all the

participants sit in the audience then ask several volunteers from the audience to come

up onstage and create a family portrait (of their or their previous group’s favorites).

Record these family portraits by taking a picture!

*If space is an issue or you don’t want participants to walk around the room, skip to step

number five and have everyone participate in at least one family portrait in front of the group.

15

My Family Tree

Continued from p. 13

Extension: Getting to Know You Research & Writing Activity

On your own or with an adult

Now that you have researched your family tree, select a family member and write a biography

on him or her. Interview this family member if they are still living. Interview other members of

your family about them if they or no longer living. Ask them questions about where they lived,

what they did for a job, what they were like, etc. You might also use www.ancestry.com as a

resource in your search for information! This website offers a free trial period before charging a

fee.

16

A GLOSSARY OF SELECT TERMS & CAREERS IN THE THEATER

1. BLOCKING: The actor’s movement on stage is known

as “blocking.” The Stage Manager writes the blocking

notation into the Prompt Script.

2. BLACK BOX THEATER: The interiors of most black box

theaters are painted black. The absence of color gives

the audience a sense of "anyplace" and allows

flexibility from play to play or from scene to scene.

Since almost any open space in any building can be

transformed into a black box, the popularity and

appeal for theater companies to use this type of

performance space is high.

3. COSTUME: Anything that an actor wears on stage is

referred to as a costume. The Wardrobe department

(the department responsible for creating costumes)

provides clothes, shoes, hats, and any personal

accessories such as umbrellas, purses and eyeglasses.

4. CYCLORAMA (a.k.a. CYC): A curved wall or drop at

the back of a stage, used for creating an illusion of

unlimited space or distance in the background of

exterior scenes or for obtaining lighting effects.

5. DROP: A drop is a large piece of painted canvas

that is “flown in” by the flyman (see FLYMAN).

6. DIRECTOR: The person who guides the actors during

the rehearsal period as they stage the play. The

director is responsible for presenting a unified vision of

the play to the audience.

7. DESIGNER: The people who work with the director to

decide what the production will look like. Designers

must choose the color, shape and texture of everything

you see on the stage. There are several areas that

need to have designers: costumes, set, lighting and

sometimes sound. The designers work very closely with

the director to create the environment in which the

play will take place.

8. FLYMAN: The person responsible for the manipulation

of the scenery which is in the fly gallery (the space

above the stage). The scenery is manipulated by ropes

attached to a counterweight system.

9. GREEN ROOM: The green room, usually near the

entrance to the stage, is where the actors & crew sit

while waiting for their turn to go on stage.

10. HEAD OF WARDROBE: Responsible for the day-to-

day running of the wardrobe department and for

unifying all aspects of production. For example, the

head of wardrobe oversees the budget, tailoring

(including the cutters, first-hands, stitchers, dyers, etc.),

accessories, and millinery.

11. ORCHESTRA PIT: The orchestra pit is the place where

the musicians perform during a musical. Usually the

orchestra pit is between the front row of the audience &

the stage. TADA!’s orchestra pit is located on stage left.

12. PROPS: Anything that the audience sees that is not

worn by an actor & is not a structural part of the set such

as: food eaten during a play, dishes, books, phones, etc.

13. PROPS MASTER: The person who buys items that will

be used or adapted to become props. Props masters

also purchase the raw material used to build props.

14. PROSCENIUM: A term describing the physical

characteristics of a theater. A proscenium theater is one

in which the audience & the actors are separated by a

picture-frame opening that the audience looks through

to see the actors. Surrounding this opening is the

PROSCENIUM ARCH. If there is an acting area on the

audience side of the proscenium arch, it is referred to as

the APRON.

15. SCENIC ARTIST: The people who are responsible for

painting & decorating the surfaces of the set. Some of

the techniques they use include: wood graining,

stenciling, marbling & brickwork. They also paint the

drops & scrims that are flown in.

16. SCRIM: A scrim is a piece of gauze that is painted

and used as part of the scenery. When a scrim is lit from

in front it is opaque, you cannot see through it. When a

scrim is lit from behind it is transparent, you can see

through it. This allows for many different visual effects to

be created by the lighting & set designers.

17. STAGE CREW: The people who ensure that

everything runs smoothly on stage during a

performance. The stage crew is responsible for changing

the sets between scenes & acts.

18. STAGE MANAGER: The person who makes sure that

all rehearsals & performances run smoothly. During a

performance the stage manager also makes sure that

all of the technical elements (e.g., lights, sound, curtains

flying in and out) happen at exactly the right time.

19. TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: The person who is responsible

for coordinating all of the technical elements of a

production. Technical directors work with the people

who build the sets, props, costumes, wigs & special

effects to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

20. THRUST STAGE: A thrust stage is a stage that is

surrounded on three sides by the audience.