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Theatre Terms

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Theatre Terms (A-Z) Definition
RAIN BOX A box or tray containing dried peas, etc. which produces a rain sound effect when inclined.
RAKE The slope of a stage or an auditorium. Thus, a raked stage is one that (normally) slopes upward from downstage to upstage.
RAKED STAGE A sloping stage which is raised at the back (upstage) end. All theatres used to be built with raked stages as a matter of course. Today, the stage is often left flat and the auditorium is raked to improve the view of the stage from all seats.
RAMP A sloping platform on which an actor may walk. A ramp may lead up to the stage from the auditorium floor, from the stage floor to a platform, etc.
RC or R.C. Abbreviation for right center.
RE-RIG To change the lighting rig after the last performance of one show to the positions for the next show.
READ FOR A PART In auditions, to read one's lines aloud to a stage director or casting agent.
READERS THEATRE or READER'S THEATRE Presentation of a play in which the actors read from scripts, usually with no movement or staging.
READING 1) A rehearsal at which the actors read their parts aloud without stage movement or stage business; often the first rehearsal, to break the ice and to give the company an opportunity to get acquainted with each other as performers. 2) A presentation of a new play for or by the author, using scripts, again with no movement or stage business. 3) An actor's interpretation of his lines, as in "That's an interesting reading."
REAR OF HOUSE (ROH) The backstage and storage areas of the theatre.
REAR PROJECTION

Also known as "Back Projection." The throwing of an image onto the stage by means of light, for an optical or design effect.
REGIONAL THEATRE Said of theatres of a particular region, or of theatres in general outside of major theatrical centers, individually or collectively.
REHEARSAL A practice session to prepare a production for public performance.
REHEARSAL CLOTHES or PRACTICE CLOTHES

Garments used by the performers that have similar characteristics as the costumes that they will be wearing in the production. For example, a woman might wear a long piece of muslin tied to her waste that mimics a train, so she can practice walking up or down stairs, sitting, or exiting through a door. A man might want to wear a rehearsal outfit that is tight around the chest and shoulders to mimic a dress uniform. Other possibilities in rehearsals might include wearing high-heel shoes or heavy boots.
REHEARSE To prepare a play for production; in particular, the work with actors to blend lines, characterization, movement and stage business into a coherent whole. Derives from the French rehercer, to harrow, to break up and loosen the soil.
RENTAL Scripts normally are purchased. However, in the case of musicals, vocal music, piano accompaniment, piano conductor score, and individual orchestra parts are rented. (In some cases, scripts also are rented.) The standard rental time is two months prior to your initial performance. Additional fees apply for each additional rental week.
REPERTORY A form of organization, usually with a permanent company of actors, where each production has a run of limited length. At any time, there is normally one production in performance, another in rehearsal and several others in varying degrees of planning.
REPRESENTATIVE The individual or company representing the interests of the playwright, who licenses his or her work for production. The representative's responsibilities include enforcing copyright law (prohibiting changes to the show, monitoring unlicensed productions), and securing an appropriate royalty for the author.
RESISTANCE DIMMER A now obsolete method of dimming which decreases the current available to the load by introducing a variable resistance between supply and load. The excess current is converted into heat. Based around a rheostat.
RESTRICTED or RESTRICTIONS Performance rights to a play may not be available if a play is running on or off-Broadway, or is on national tour. Or a professional theater in your area may have secured rights to produce the play, barring all other local productions until its run has closed. The availability of a play can change from day to day, which is why restrictions don't appear in most play catalogs. Restrictions exist because professional producers and touring groups pay much higher royalties than nonprofessionals, thus guaranteeing them exclusivity and a certain amount of freedom from competition. As a rule, all productions in New York and Los Angeles must be cleared, so allow for extra time if your theater is located in these areas. Other major cities like Chicago, Seattle or San Francisco may require additional clearance as well.