Actor Jargon Decoded: 50+ Must-Know Terms Every Performer Needs to Succeed
- Neil Mulac
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Stepping into the acting world is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you're surrounded by unfamiliar terms. Whether you're auditioning for your first commercial, walking onto a film set, or rehearsing for a stage production, knowing the language of the industry helps you communicate clearly, avoid mistakes, and feel more confident in your craft.
In this guide, we decode over 50 essential acting, casting, agency, and production terms you need to know. Consider this your go-to glossary for understanding what’s being said—and expected—every step of the way.
Acting Technique & Performance Terms
1. Beat: A moment of pause or emotional shift in a scene. Actors use beats to help break down scripts for stronger delivery. Example: “Take a beat after that line to let the moment land.”
2. Objective: What a character wants in a scene. Also called a goal or intention. Example: “Her objective is to win his trust.”
3. Tactic: The method a character uses to achieve their objective. Example: “She flatters him as a tactic to gain influence.”
4. Subtext: The unspoken meaning behind dialogue. Example: A character says, “I’m fine,” but the subtext might be anger or sadness.
5. Blocking: Planned movement on stage or camera. Directors or stage managers give blocking during rehearsals.
6. Cue: The line or action that signals your next move or line.
7. Cold Read: Performing a script without prior rehearsal, often in auditions.
8. Monologue: A long speech by one character, either to another character or the audience.
9. Improv (Improvisation): Unscripted performance where dialogue and action are created in the moment.
10. Meisner Technique: An acting approach focused on listening and reacting truthfully, based on repetition and emotional preparation.
On-Camera and Set Terms
11. Slate: A brief introduction at the start or end of a self-tape audition where you state your name, agency, and other related details (if applicable). Example: “Hi, I’m Jordan Smith, and I'm with Awesome Talent.”
12. Mark: A spot on the floor where an actor must stand for proper framing or focus.
13. Blocking for Camera: Movement designed for camera angles and lighting on set.
14. Call Time: The time an actor is required to be on set or at the theatre.
15. Take: One filmed version of a scene. Directors may request multiple takes.
16. Close-Up (CU): A tight camera shot, usually from the shoulders up, capturing facial expressions.
17. Medium Shot (MS): A shot framing the actor from the waist up.
18. Wide Shot (WS) / Long Shot (LS): A shot that captures the actor’s full body, often used for movement or geography.
19. Over-the-Shoulder (OTS): A shot taken from behind one actor’s shoulder, commonly used in dialogue scenes.
20. Reaction Shot: A close-up showing a character's emotional response to something in the scene.
Audition & Casting Vocabulary
21. Sides: Script excerpts given to actors to perform during an audition.
22. Breakdown: A brief character and project description distributed to agents and casting sites.
23. Type: An actor’s natural casting range or “look” based on appearance, energy, and personality. Example: “He’s a classic guy-next-door type.”
24. Self-Tape: A recorded audition submitted digitally, often filmed at home.
25. Callback: A second audition where selected actors are brought back for further consideration.
26. Chemistry Read: An audition with another actor to assess on-screen compatibility.
27. Non-Union / Union: Refers to whether a project operates under professional union guidelines, like SAG-AFTRA or AEA.
28. Sides Deadline: The submission cutoff for a self-taped audition.
29. Booked / Booking: You’ve landed the role. Example: “I just booked a national commercial!”
30. On Avail / Pinned: You're being seriously considered but haven’t officially booked the role yet.
Talent Agency and Representation Terms
31. Agent: An industry professional who submits you for roles and negotiates contracts.
32. Manager: Offers career guidance, branding help, and long-term strategy. May or may not submit you for auditions.
33. Submission: The process of sending your headshot and resume to casting directors for a role.
34. Headshot: A professional photo used to market yourself to casting professionals.
35. Resume: A list of your credits, training, and skills that accompanies your headshot.
36. Reel (Demo Reel): A short video compilation of your on-camera work used to showcase your range, typically with a running time of one minute.
37. Package: When an agent sends multiple client submissions for the same project, often referred to as a “submission package.”
38. Rep: Short for agent or manager (representation).
39. Commission: The percentage your rep earns from your paid acting jobs, usually 10–20%.
Film & Theatre Production Vocabulary
40. Director: The person in charge of the overall vision and execution of the production.
41. Producer: Oversees financing, hiring, scheduling, and the business side of a film or show.
42. Stage Manager: Coordinates all technical and rehearsal logistics in a stage production.
43. AD (Assistant Director): Helps manage the schedule, call times, and set flow on a film or TV set.
44. Crew: The behind-the-scenes team: camera, lighting, sound, grips, and more.
45. Wardrobe: The clothing actors wear. Sometimes used interchangeably with “costumes.”
46. Props: Objects used by actors during a scene or performance.
47. Tech Rehearsal: A rehearsal focused on technical elements like lighting, sound, and transitions in theatre.
48. Table Read: A read-through of the script with the full cast, usually seated around a table.
49. Green Room: A waiting area for performers before they go on set or stage.
50. Strike: The process of dismantling the set and clearing the space after a show or shoot.
51. Wrap: The end of filming or production for the day—or for the entire shoot. Example: “That’s a wrap, everyone!”
Why Knowing the Lingo Matters
Understanding the professional language of acting empowers you to:
Communicate clearly with casting, crew, and collaborators
Avoid common mistakes due to confusion or misinterpretation
Build confidence on set, in class, and at auditions
Show professionalism, even as a newcomer
Whether you're just starting out or returning to acting after a break, knowing this vocabulary can make all the difference in how you're perceived—and how smoothly your career develops.
For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!