When actors say 'break a leg', what do they mean?
AnswerGood luck
Theater superstition holds that wishing 'good luck' is bad luck, so 'break a leg' is said instead.
Arts · Facts & stats
Theater facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about theater and the stage, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
Which open-air London playhouse is closely associated with Shakespeare's company?
AnswerThe Globe
The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's company; a reconstruction opened nearby in 1997.
Going deeper
On stage, 'stage left' is on which side?
AnswerThe actor's left when facing the audience
Stage directions are given from the performer's point of view, facing the audience.
The word 'thespian' comes from Thespis, who is traditionally said to be what?
AnswerThe first actor in ancient Greek drama
Thespis is said to have first stepped out of the chorus to speak as a character, around the 6th century BC.
What is an understudy?
AnswerA performer who learns a role to step in if needed
Understudies rehearse a lead's part so the show can go on if that actor cannot perform.
Expert level
The ancient Greek theater at Epidaurus is especially famous for what?
AnswerIts remarkable acoustics
At Epidaurus, sounds from the stage can be heard clearly in the back rows of the 4th-century BC theater.
What is the frame around the front opening of a stage called?
AnswerThe proscenium arch
The proscenium arch frames the stage like a picture, separating it from the auditorium.
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