The Dos and Don’ts of Improvisation Dos * Take cues from your scene partner * Be spontaneous * Make your partner look good * Embrace being “boring” Don’ts * Don’t break character * Don’t say, “I can’t,” but rather, “I’ll try.” * Don’t answer no. Always answer yes. * Don’t be a ham and steal the show for yourself. This is a dialogue, not a monologue. * Don’t ignore or deny your scene partner. * Don’t change the story your partner has started. * Don’t respond with a question. Acting is doing, not telling. Technical Terms in Theatre Up Stage Right Up Stage Center Up Stage Left Stage Right Center Stage Stage Left Down Stage Right Down Stage Center Down Stage Left Audience Stage Directions—instructions for an actor, either in the script or from a director Blocking—putting actions to the words in the script Focus—to center attention on something Grouping—arranging characters for the best interests of the play Levels—Acting areas placed higher than stage level with the use of platforms Apron—The part of the stage in front of the curtain. Pit—Orchestra area, generally in front of the apron Backstage—Space behind the stage Wings—space at either side of stage Off-Stage—Area of stage not visible to the audience On-Stage—Area of stage visible to the audience Curtain Line—Imaginary line where the curtain hangs Open Up—Turn more toward the audience Close In—move closer together Come Down—approach part of the stage nearer the audience Cross--move from one part of the stage to another Call—warning to actors to be ready for entrance Callboard—bulletin board backstage with important information on it Stage Call—Meeting of cast and director onstage for instructions Places—signal for actors/actresses to begin their scene Clear Stage—The command to leave stage Script—printed copy of the play Prompt Script—Script with your directions Scene—division within an act Lines—spoken parts Cue—signal for something to happen Cue Sheet—list of cues Pace—Timing of lines and actions Build—to bring a scene to a climax by increasing volume, emphasis, pace, or intensity Run-Through—To rehearse a play without stopping Steal a Scene—To call attention to yourself when it should be elsewhere Upstaging—Toward the back of the stage .